India's Coastline Faces Microplastic Threat Despite Drop in Beach Litter

The Government of India has completed a three-year survey to assess the levels of microplastics and marine debris along the country's coastline. The findings show that while plastic litter on beaches has decreased, microplastics remain a growing concern in coastal waters and sediments.

Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, shared the findings in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday during the Monsoon Session. The study was carried out by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) between 2022 and 2025.

Researchers collected samples from 44 coastal locations. On the west coast, they surveyed 19 transects from Porbandar in Gujarat to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. On the east coast, 25 transects were covered between Puri in Odisha and Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.

The analysis found that the main source of microplastics in the marine environment is abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear. These items break down into tiny plastic particles over time, contaminating both water and seabed.

“Microplastics were present in both water and sediment samples,” Dr. Singh told the House. “Their concentration was higher in the benthic region compared to surface waters.”

The National Institute of Oceanography in Goa also conducted a related study along the eastern Arabian Sea. It reported high levels of microplastics in offshore sediments. The study examined nine species of fish and shellfish and found more contamination in bottom-dwelling species.

India’s coastal ecosystems are facing pressure from plastic pollution. Surveys in mangrove forests in Goa and Maharashtra recorded up to 8.5 plastic items per square meter. Plastic made up more than 80% of the total debris.

A similar trend was observed in coral reef areas. A survey in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands found plastic to be the most common litter, making up 60% of the debris. In Mumbai’s intertidal coral zones, plastic accounted for over 90% of all litter.

Dr. Singh confirmed that the Ministry has drafted a National Marine Litter Policy. “The policy has been shared with relevant stakeholders and line ministries for review,” he said. No date has been announced for its public release.

Alongside scientific research, the government has supported large-scale cleanup drives. Over 250 beach cleanup events have been held under the “Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar” campaign and related programs. Around 150 tons of litter were removed by June 2025.

Plastic litter on beaches has declined since 2018. It accounted for 67% of total beach litter then but dropped to 43% in 2024, according to data collected during annual cleanups held on International Coastal Cleanup Day.

Officials attribute this drop mainly to reduced tourism and increased awareness. “The major source of beach litter continues to be tourism and recreational activities,” Dr. Singh said.

The Ministry also backs community-led efforts to tackle marine litter. Local volunteers, students, and fisherfolk are regularly engaged in awareness drives and coastal cleanups. These efforts aim to involve citizens in data collection and waste reduction.

“We focus on educating coastal communities about the dangers of microplastics and marine debris,” said an NCCR spokesperson. “Public participation is key.”

While progress has been made in managing beach litter, the issue of microplastics remains unresolved. Long-term monitoring and stronger enforcement of fishing and waste disposal regulations will likely be needed to reduce the plastic burden in Indian coastal waters.

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