As a force committed to environmental responsibility, the Indian Navy continues to accelerate its shift towards renewable energy and minimize its ecological footprint through sustainable practices. With its Green Initiative Programme gaining momentum, occasions like World Environment Day serve as pivotal milestones to reinforce the Navy’s commitment to global environmental efforts. This year, naval units and establishments nationwide have launched an extensive set of initiatives, driving the transformation towards a ‘Cleaner and Greener Environment’.
The theme for World Environment Day 2025 focuses on ‘Ending Plastic Pollution Globally’. To extend this theme, efforts such as declaration of Naval Stations as ‘No Plastic Zone’, webinars and poster competitions to reduce single-use plastic, conduct of public pledges, plastic disposal and retrieval from coastal areas, new initiatives on mangroves plantations, seaweed cultivation and coral reef surveys have been facilitated with close interaction with all Central and State government bodies and a large number of government nominated and environmentally conscious firms.
Further reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to coastal preservation, the feasibility of installing floating trash barriers and biodiversity surveys have also been progressed under the aegis of the MoU concluded with M/s The Habitats Trust and HCL Foundation towards rejuvenating the coastal ecosystem.
Recognizing the crucial role of education in environmental conservation, interactive sessions, lectures, and workshops have been conducted across naval stations, office premises, and residential quarters. Experts from The Habitats Trust have spearheaded discussions on the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life, ensuring widespread engagement and knowledge-sharing.
Across naval establishments, Plastic Collection Drives have been mobilized to eliminate single-use plastics. Through collective action, including Shramdaan efforts, naval personnel and families have demonstrated a resolute commitment to maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.
The Indian Navy has organized nationwide beach clean-up drives at coastal stations, fostering large-scale participation among Naval, DSC, and Defence civilian personnel, along with their families. These events aim to raise awareness about the environmental hazards posed by non-biodegradable waste.
Further extending this mission, poster-making competitions on the themes of land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience have been conducted to engage and educate personnel.
Tree re-plantation drives have also been initiated to reinforce local
ecosystems and contribute to carbon sequestration. Using advanced replantation techniques, trees ranging from two to seven years of age are being carefully relocated to maximize their environmental impact.
As natural barriers against storms, floods, and erosion, mangroves play a critical role in coastal protection. The Indian Navy is spearheading a phased manner comprehensive campaign to expand mangrove plantations across coastal belts, engaging leading mangrove experts to assess existing plantations and initiate fresh drives.
The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its mission to uphold environmental stewardship, working tirelessly to drive sustainability while safeguarding India’s rich maritime ecosystem. On this World Environment Day, the Navy reaffirms its commitment to a cleaner and greener future.
