With the growing recognition of the importance of adopting environmentally conscious lifestyles, the Indian Navy has taken significant strides in promoting sustainable practices across all its units and establishments. Under the banner of Mission LiFE (LiFEStyle for Environment), a series of activities have been organized in the run-up to World Environment Day 2023, highlighting the need to live harmoniously with nature while embracing sustainable living practices.
The Indian Navy has placed a strong emphasis on adopting cleaner and greener practices at both the organizational and individual levels. A range of actions have been undertaken to minimize the environmental impact, including the implementation of energy-saving measures such as the use of occupancy sensors and automatic controllers. These initiatives have not only reduced energy consumption but also contributed to a decrease in carbon emissions.
Addressing the issue of vehicular pollution, the Indian Navy has placed a significant focus on promoting e-vehicles within its units. Furthermore, Naval establishments have observed “no-vehicle day” to encourage alternative modes of transportation and reduce carbon emissions. To promote sustainable mobility, the Public Bicycle Sharing System has been introduced, offering a convenient and eco-friendly means of transportation within naval premises.
Water conservation has also been a key area of focus for the Indian Navy. Enhanced measures have been implemented to conserve water resources, recognizing the importance of this precious commodity. Additionally, the Navy has initiated the collection and distribution of unutilized household items, books, and other materials through Meri LiFE Centres, promoting the reuse and reduction of waste.
The reduction of carbon footprint remains a priority for the Indian Navy, and several measures have been undertaken to achieve this goal. Solar-powered street lighting has been implemented, significantly reducing energy consumption and reliance on conventional power sources. Moreover, the restoration of mangrove forests and extensive tree plantation drives have been carried out. In the past year alone, a staggering 5,24,820 tree saplings have been planted, effectively capturing approximately 11,500 tonnes of carbon within a year.
Aligned with the vision of the ‘Clean India Campaign,’ the Indian Navy has launched a nationwide initiative called Puneet Sagar Abhiyaan (PSA). This campaign focuses on cleaning seashores, beaches, rivers, and lakes, with the aim of removing plastic waste and increasing awareness about the importance of maintaining clean and pristine coastal areas. Naval units and establishments dedicate one day each month to coastal cleanup activities, collaborating with local municipal bodies, NGOs, NHAI, and Regional Directors of NCC for responsible waste disposal and recycling. The collective effort has resulted in the removal of approximately 78,700 kg of plastic waste from 58 beaches and over 2,100 km of coastline in the past year.
