Eco-Crusader Bapi Gochhayat Wins Dharitri Climate Grant 2025 for Paradip Coast Cleanup

Odisha’s coastal environment gets a new beacon of hope.

Eco-crusader Bapi Gochhayat has been awarded the Dharitri Climate Grant 2025 for his extraordinary dedication to cleaning and restoring the Paradip coast and surrounding areas. His relentless efforts have resulted in the collection of over five tonnes of plastic waste since 2022, turning polluted stretches of the coastline into cleaner, safer, and more vibrant spaces.

This recognition marks an important milestone—not only for Bapi but also for the growing community-led environmental movement in Odisha. 

 Image courtesy : Dharitri Climate Grant 2025

Who Is Bapi Gochhayat?

Bapi is a grassroots environmental volunteer from Odisha who has been working quietly yet powerfully along the Paradip coast, one of the state’s busiest port zones. Without institutional backing or major resources, he took up the challenge of cleaning local beaches after seeing the severe impact of plastic waste on marine life, fisher communities, and the natural beauty of the coastline.

His Impact: Over 5 Tonnes of Plastic Removed

Since 2022, Bapi has:

• Collected more than 5.5 tonnes of plastic waste from Paradip’s beaches, fishing harbors, and nearby villages

• Educated local communities about the dangers of single-use plastics

• Encouraged children, youth, and fishermen to participate in weekly clean-up drives

• Created a local culture of environmental responsibility and volunteerism

• Inspired multiple nearby villages to begin similar coastal clean-up movements

His work shows how consistent, small actions create massive long-term impact.

Dharitri Climate Grant 2025: Why It Matters

The Dharitri Climate Grant is one of Odisha’s most respected recognitions for climate and environmental action. Bapi’s selection highlights:

• The urgency of India’s coastal plastic crisis

• The power of individual-led environmental activism

• The need for community-level sustainable practices

• Odisha’s growing leadership in climate-conscious initiatives

The grant will further support clean-up campaigns, awareness drives, and youth engagement programs in Paradip.

Why Paradip Needs Heroes Like Bapi

Paradip’s coastline faces:

• High marine traffic from the port

• Fishing-related plastic pollution

• Tourist waste

• Industrial debris

• Microplastic accumulation affecting marine life

Thanks to Bapi’s efforts, several stretches of the coastline now show visible reduction in plastic, improved accessibility, and renewed community ownership.

Inspiring a Community Movement

What started as a one-man mission has now grown into:

• Regular volunteer clean-up groups

• School-based awareness programs

• Support from local fishermen

• Increased media recognition

• Youth participation from surrounding villages

Bapi’s story proves that grassroots action is the backbone of environmental change.

 

FAQ Section

1. Who is Bapi Gochhayat?

He is an environmental volunteer from Odisha known for removing plastic waste from the Paradip coast.

2. How much plastic has he collected?

Since 2022, he has collected over 5.5 tonnes of plastic waste through consistent beach clean-ups.

3. What is the Dharitri Climate Grant?

It is a prestigious award recognizing individuals and groups working on climate action and environmental conservation in Odisha.

4. Why is the Paradip coast vulnerable to plastic pollution?

Because of port activities, fishing waste, tourism, and limited waste disposal infrastructure.

5. How is the community involved?

Local youths, fishermen, and school groups now participate in regular clean-ups inspired by Bapi’s efforts. 

People Also Ask (PAA)

Is Paradip Beach clean?

Thanks to volunteer initiatives like Bapi’s, several sections are significantly cleaner than before.

How can I join beach clean-up drives in Odisha?

Many local NGOs and volunteer groups conduct weekly drives—Paradip, Puri, and Gopalpur are major hubs.

Why is plastic pollution increasing on Indian beaches?

Due to irresponsible disposal, fishing-related plastics, tourism, and gaps in recycling systems.

How does removing plastic help marine life?

It reduces injury, ingestion, and entanglement risks for turtles, fish, crabs, and seabirds.

Conclusion

Bapi Gochhayat’s recognition through the Dharitri Climate Grant 2025 is more than an award—it is a reminder that real change begins at the local level. His dedication has transformed Paradip into a model of coastal conservation, showing how compassion, effort, and persistence can restore the environment.

As Odisha continues to champion sustainability, Bapi’s story will stand as an inspiring example for future generations of eco-warriors.