Dr. Jitendra Singh Applauds Mass Participation in 'Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0' as 15 Lakh Pledge for Ocean Conservation

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has commended the phenomenal public response and mass participation witnessed during the fifth edition of the 'Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar' campaign. Addressing a high-level monthly review meeting of scientific ministries and departments in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted that the nationwide coastal clean-up drive successfully galvanized over 15 lakh citizens who took the Ocean Conservation Pledge, demonstrating a profound national commitment to environmental stewardship and marine ecosystem preservation.

Conducted \textensively from September 12 to September 19, 2026, the ambitious coastal clean-up initiative spanned 231 distinct locations across 13 coastal States and Union Territories. The campaign brought together a diverse cross-section of Indian society—including students, coastal communities, local volunteers, government agencies, and premier scientific institutions—in a concerted nationwide effort to rid India's coastline of marine litter, plastic waste, and pollutants, thereby fostering cleaner coasts and safer seas.

Key Highlights & Major Announcements

• Massive Public Engagement: Over 15 lakh individuals took the Ocean Conservation Pledge during 'Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar' 5.0.
• Extensive Geographic Reach: The coastal clean-up drive was successfully conducted across 231 locations spanning 13 States and Union Territories between September 12 and 19, 2026.
• Inter-Ministerial Synergy: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired the monthly review meeting of scientific ministries, stressing enhanced institutional coordination and the development of city-based scientific clusters.
• Digital Library of Scientific Achievements: Progress was reviewed on the upcoming digital repository led by CSIR-NIScPR to showcase India's stellar innovations and scientific milestones.
• 'Vigyan Ki Baat' Lecture Series: Preparations for the second edition on September 26, 2026, focusing on foundational physical sciences and quantum technology, were evaluated following the successful inaugural edition.
• CSIR@85 Preparations: Stock was taken of upcoming commemorative programmes scheduled for September 25, 2026, alongside updates regarding ESTIC-2026.

Fostering Synergy Across India's Scientific Ecosystem

Beyond reviewing the landmark environmental campaign, the high-level meeting served as a crucial platform to strategize on streamlining India's broader scientific and technological outreach. Chaired by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the session was attended by key bureaucratic and scientific leaders, including Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood; Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Dr. Rajesh Gokhle; Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare; Secretary, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Prof. N. Kalaiselvi; Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Dr. T. Srinivasa Kumar; and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) CEO Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, alongside other senior officials.

During the deliberations, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the urgent need for India's premier scientific institutions to operate with greater synergy and institutional visibility. He advocated for the creation of city-based scientific clusters designed to bring together geographically proximate institutions, academic bodies, and industry stakeholders working in overlapping fields of research and development.

"India’s scientific institutions must work with greater synergy and visibility, taking scientific achievements beyond institutional boundaries and creating a stronger connect between our scientific ecosystem and citizens." — Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences

Digital Outreach and the National Digital Library of Scientific Achievements

A major focus of the review meeting was the strengthening of the nation's communication ecosystem concerning science, technology, and innovation. Recognizing that groundbreaking research often remains confined to academic journals and laboratories, the Ministry has prioritized building accessible, engaging communication frameworks to share India's scientific triumphs with the common public.

The meeting evaluated substantial progress on the proposed Digital Library of Scientific Achievements. Envisioned as an exhaustive common repository of high-quality videos, infographics, and communication assets, the library will systematically document the transformative work being executed across Indian laboratories. CSIR-NIScPR has been designated as the nodal institution responsible for developing the institutional architecture and implementation framework, while resource-pooling modalities among participating ministries are actively being finalized.

Furthermore, the review appraised ongoing digital outreach initiatives spearheaded by the DST, DBT, DSIR/CSIR, and MoES. The creation of short-form, engaging digital content has significantly amplified the reach of critical technological milestones, ensuring that vital developments in science resonate with audiences well beyond the specialized scientific community.

Promoting Public Scientific Temper: 'Vigyan Ki Baat' and CSIR@85

To institutionalize public engagement and foster scientific temper among youth and researchers alike, the meeting reviewed the operational progress of 'Vigyan Ki Baat'. Launched as a monthly lecture series by the Department of Science & Technology, the initiative showcases cutting-edge work emerging from India's autonomous scientific institutions.

The inaugural edition, held on August 29, 2026, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of over 7,500 participants drawn from academia, research organizations, and industry. Building on this momentum, the second edition is scheduled for September 26, 2026, and will feature the Director of the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, highlighting recent breakthroughs in foundational physical sciences and quantum technology.

The administration also reviewed \textensive preparations for the upcoming CSIR@85 commemoration programmes scheduled for September 25, 2026, alongside preparations for ESTIC-2026. These events aim to highlight the historic and contemporary contributions of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to India's socio-economic development.

Significance & National Impact

The convergence of mass environmental campaigns like 'Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0' with high-level structural reforms in scientific communication underscores a holistic vision of national development. By linking scientific awareness directly with environmental responsibility and active citizen participation, the Government of India is successfully bridging the gap between laboratories and the masses.

Enhanced inter-ministerial coordination, reinforced by structured thematic clusters and robust digital libraries, ensures that public funds invested in research translate into tangible societal benefits. As India advances rapidly in frontier sectors like quantum technology, earth sciences, and biotechnology, cultivating an informed citizenry that actively participates in initiatives like ocean conservation and scientific discourse remains a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the scale of 'Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0'?

The campaign, conducted from September 12 to 19, 2026, covered 231 coastal locations across 13 States and Union Territories, successfully inspiring over 15 lakh citizens to take the Ocean Conservation Pledge.

What is the purpose of the Digital Library of Scientific Achievements?

It is a proposed centralized digital repository designed to store and disseminate videos, documentation, and communication products showcasing India's scientific innovations and institutional milestones, with CSIR-NIScPR acting as the nodal institution.

What is 'Vigyan Ki Baat'?

It is a monthly lecture series initiated by the Department of Science & Technology to communicate cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and national relevance from autonomous scientific institutions directly to academia, industry, and the public.

Which ministries and departments participated in the review meeting?

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Jitendra Singh and attended by leadership from the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser.

Official Source & Verification

This article is grounded on the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (Release ID: 2313111, Ministry of Science & Technology). Access the official document: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2313111&lang=1.