Coast Guard launching drive to discourage plastic use

New Delhi : The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is launching a campaign for voluntary discarding of the use of plastic in all the ICG premises from October 2, an official release said on Monday.

In order to lead by example and in support of the government policy "Swachhata Hi Seva" movement, the Coast Guard headquarters, New Delhi has issued direction to all its units across the country for encouraging ICG personnel for voluntarily discarding of plastic.

During the campaign, the ICG will conduct seminar/ lectures, make available environment-friendly bags and spread awareness amongst the masses through posters/ banners/ placards.

Coast Guard Wives Welfare Association, a voluntary ICG organisation, shoulders the responsibility in taking the lead for spreading the campaign amongst ladies and children of the society through frequent interactions.

"The ICG will carry this campaign to the coastal populace through various platforms such as community interaction programme, meetings with fisheries associations/ community heads, etc," the release said.

The Coast Guard Act, 1978 mandates the Indian Coast Guard to preserve and protect marine environment and prevent and control marine pollution.

"The ICG has been nominated as competent national authority by the Union government in March this year for co-operation on the Response to Oil and Chemical Pollution in the South Asian Seas Region," it said.