HCL Foundation Mobilizes 5,000 Volunteers for Coastal Cleanup Drive

On September 21, 2025, the HCL Foundation initiated a significant coastal cleanup campaign across six Indian states to commemorate International Coastal Cleanup Day. This initiative engaged over 5,000 volunteers, including local community members, HCLTech employees, and partner organizations, resulting in the removal of more than 20,000 kilograms of marine debris from India’s coastlines. The campaign underscores HCL Foundation’s ongoing commitment to protecting and preserving the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

Collaboration and Impact

The cleanup drive spanned the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and West Bengal. This year’s effort was bolstered by partnerships with prominent environmental organizations, including the Animal Welfare Conservation Society, ReefWatch Marine Conservation, SPANDAN, the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, the Environmentalist Foundation of India, and the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust, among others. These collaborations have played a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of the cleanup activities.

Over the past four years, HCL Foundation and its affiliates have successfully removed over 560,000 kilograms of ghost nets and marine debris from the coastal waters of India. This ongoing effort demonstrates a significant commitment to marine conservation and highlights the impact of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.

Strengthening Marine Conservation Efforts

In 2024, HCL Foundation, in partnership with the Indian Coast Guard and The Habitats Trust (THT), formalized their commitment to marine biodiversity through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to tackle critical challenges facing India’s marine ecosystems by leveraging scientific expertise, operational capacity, and community engagement.

On International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, representatives from HCL Foundation, the Indian Coast Guard, and THT participated jointly in the national cleanup campaign, symbolizing their united commitment to marine conservation. Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President of Global CSR at HCLTech and Director of HCL Foundation, emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability. “Our coastal cleanup initiative goes beyond waste removal—it inspires collective responsibility and fosters a culture of environmental stewardship,” she stated.

Through these initiatives, HCL Foundation aims to strengthen efforts to conserve and restore India’s vital marine ecosystems while actively promoting community engagement in environmental sustainability. The ongoing collaboration with various organizations reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding India’s coastal and marine environments for future generations.