My Journey for Cleaner Coasts and Healthier Mangroves
From a simple cleanup effort to a growing movement for Odisha’s mangroves, beaches and coastal communities.
How it began
My environmental journey began on 9 January 2022 with a simple idea: if our coastal ecosystems are suffering from plastic waste, we should step forward and do something about it. I started working around Odisha’s coastal areas, including the mangrove ecosystem near the Devi River mouth in Astaranga. What began as a personal effort slowly became a continuing cleanup mission.
With every drive, more people began to notice the work and join in. Volunteers, local communities and well-wishers became part of the effort. Together, we started removing plastic and other waste from mangrove areas, beaches and coastal stretches, while also creating awareness about why these places need long-term protection.
The mangroves are especially important because they form a natural coastal defence, support biodiversity and provide habitat for many species. The mangrove ecosystem around the Devi River mouth is closely connected with the health of the wider coast, fisheries and local communities. Protecting it is therefore not only about cleaning waste—it is about protecting a living coastal system for the future.
Growing through action
Regular cleanup drives turned the idea into sustained action. Over time, the work grew across mangrove areas and beaches, with community participation becoming an important part of the mission. Alongside cleanup, I have worked on awareness, mangrove conservation, plantation and restoration-related activities.
So far, the initiative has removed more than 7,635 kg of plastic waste from mangrove areas through 30+ cleanup drives. The number is important, but the larger goal is to build a culture where people understand the value of mangroves and coastal ecosystems and take responsibility for protecting them.
From mangroves to beaches
The work is not limited to mangroves. Beach and coastal cleanup activities are also part of the journey. Removing plastic from beaches, river mouths and coastal areas helps protect marine life and keeps waste from returning to the ocean. These activities also create opportunities to speak with communities and encourage practical environmental action.
For me, every cleanup is also an awareness activity: it shows that meaningful environmental change can start with a small group of people willing to act consistently.
Recognition that strengthened the mission
The journey received wider recognition when the mangrove cleanup initiative was appreciated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 87th episode of Mann Ki Baat. That recognition brought encouragement to continue the work and reach more people.
I was later honoured as a special guest at the 75th Republic Day Parade in 2024 and the 76th Republic Day Parade in 2025 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. I also received the National Youth Award 2022–23 from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. These recognitions are milestones in the journey, but the real purpose remains the same: cleaner coasts, healthier mangroves and stronger community participation.
The journey continues through mangrove cleanup, beach and coastal cleanup, conservation, awareness and community participation. I hope this work encourages more young people and communities to care for Odisha’s coast and protect the natural systems that protect us.