Tech-driven project launched in Vizag to tackle marine littering - The HinduPublished - September 19, 2026 07:37 pm IST - VISAKHAPATNAMKamalakara Rao V _11831The Ministry of Earth Sciences on Saturday launched the pilot phase of the National Initiative for Remediation of Marine Litter (NIRMaL Sāgar), India’s first integrated marine litter tracking framework, in Visakhapatnam aimed at combating coastal and ocean pollution.Inaugurated at the Andhra University Auditorium near RK Beach, the launch marked the culmination of the week-long Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign.Ministry Secretary T. Srinivasa Kumar formally launched the programme, with Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh addressing the gathering virtually. Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat and other senior civil, naval, and academic dignitaries were also in attendance.According to Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) Director T.M. Balakrishnan Nair, the framework integrates satellite remote sensing, ocean modeling, and artificial intelligence-enabled tools. These technologies will map marine litter hotspots, track debris movement, and forecast accumulations to direct focused clean-up operations.During the pilot phase, comprehensive scientific studies will be conducted across Visakhapatnam’s coastal zones to identify primary sources of plastic waste, trace drift patterns, and formulate recycling strategies to bolster a circular economy. Mr. Sribharat sought technical and logistical assistance from the Ministry to intercept open-drain plastic waste before it reaches the sea.The event witnessed participation from over 1,300 individuals, including personnel from the Indian Navy, the Coast Guard, fishermen communities, and university students.Following the formal proceedings, attendees formed a human chain along RK Beach road to advocate for ocean conservation. Prior to the main event, volunteers and organisations carried out beach clean-ups and an underwater remediation drive off the coast.Published - September 19, 2026 07:37 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }