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INCOIS launches AI-driven marine litter tracking pilot under NIRMaL Sāgar in Visakhapatnam

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The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, has initiated a pilot project in Visakhapatnam using ocean modelling, satellite remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to identify and monitor marine litter hotspots. This initiative is part of the National Initiative for Remediation of Marine Litter (NIRMaL Sāgar) aimed at combating marine plastic pollution through tracking, forecasting accumulation zones, and supporting targeted cleanup operations. The pilot study focuses on identifying plastic litter sources, tracking ocean debris movement, and formulating recycling strategies linked to circular economy practices. The programme was launched on 19 September 2026, concluding the Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign week, with dignitaries including Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary T. Srinivasa Kumar and Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat present.

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Key Facts

  • The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, is employing ocean modelling, satellite remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) tools to identify, monitor, and forecast marine litter hotspots.
  • The pilot phase of this initiative began on 19 September 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
  • This project is part of the National Initiative for Remediation of Marine Litter (NIRMaL Sāgar), India’s first integrated marine litter tracking framework.
  • The pilot focuses on identifying sources of marine plastic litter, tracking its movements, and locating its accumulation zones to guide targeted cleanup operations.
  • The programme includes strategies for removal and recycling of marine plastic, aligned with circular economy principles.
  • The launch of the pilot phase marked the conclusion of the week-long Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign.
  • The event was attended by dignitaries including Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary T. Srinivasa Kumar, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, and involved participation from Indian Navy, Coast Guard, fishermen, and academic communities.

Background & Context

Marine litter, predominantly composed of plastic solid waste, poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity and environmental health in coastal and oceanic waters. INCOIS, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences headquartered in Hyderabad, traditionally provides ocean state forecasting, tsunami warning services, and advisories for potential fishing zones. Recognizing the environmental challenge, INCOIS has integrated advanced technologies—such as ocean modelling, satellite remote sensing, AI, and machine learning—to monitor marine debris systematically.

The National Initiative for Remediation of Marine Litter (NIRMaL Sāgar) is a flagship project aimed at combating marine pollution by creating a coordinated framework integrating science and technology for marine plastic litter management. Visakhapatnam, with its significant coastal interface, has been selected as the pilot site to test and refine the marine litter tracking framework before potential wider application.

Why This Matters for Exams

For aspirants of competitive and civil service examinations, understanding India’s environmental governance initiatives such as NIRMaL Sāgar is crucial. This includes the role of premier institutions like INCOIS in leveraging cutting-edge technologies for environmental monitoring and pollution mitigation. Knowledge of national campaigns like Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar, and India’s efforts in marine pollution abatement, aligns with questions framed on environment and ecology, geography, and current affairs sectors. Moreover, it exhibits India’s commitment to sustainable development and circular economy approaches for waste management.

Points to Remember

  • INCOIS operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and is headquartered in Hyderabad.
  • The NIRMaL Sāgar pilot project was launched on 19 September 2026 in Visakhapatnam.
  • The initiative integrates ocean modelling, satellite remote sensing, AI, and machine learning to track marine plastic litter.
  • Visakhapatnam pilot aims to identify sources and accumulation zones of marine litter and support recycling strategies.
  • The launch event concluded the Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign, a nationwide coastal cleanliness drive.
  • The event involved diverse stakeholders: government officials, naval personnel, fishermen, academic institutions, and volunteers.
  • Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat played a role in the launch and advocated for logistical support to intercept plastic waste before entering the sea.

Practice MCQs

Question 1

  1. Which Indian institution is responsible for launching the NIRMaL Sāgar marine litter tracking pilot project?
  2. National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)
  3. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
  4. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
  5. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Answer: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

Question 2

  1. When was the pilot phase of the NIRMaL Sāgar initiative launched in Visakhapatnam?
  2. 19 September 2025
  3. 19 September 2026
  4. 5 June 2026
  5. 12 August 2025

Answer: 19 September 2026

Question 3

  1. Which campaign concluded with the launch of the NIRMaL Sāgar pilot program in Visakhapatnam?
  2. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
  3. Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0
  4. Blue Revolution
  5. National Ocean Mission

Answer: Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0

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