By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – September 25, 2025: The High Commission of India in Sierra Leone spearheaded a beach cleaning exercise at Lumley Beach on Thursday to commemorate “Swachhata Hi Seva,” a nationwide cleanliness campaign celebrated annually in India and by Indian missions abroad.
The initiative, led by High Commissioner Baisnab Charan Pradhan, brought together volunteers, environmental groups, and members of the Indian diaspora in a collective effort to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism.
“This is part of India’s national and global campaign to promote cleanliness in our homes and surroundings,” said Commissioner Pradhan. “Keeping our beaches clean is essential for a sustainable ecosystem and for attracting more tourists, which will contribute to the economic growth of the city.”
The symbolic cleanup was organized in collaboration with the National Tourist Board, Freetown City Council, Premier Environmental Solutions Limited, and local community members. Lumley Beach, one of Freetown’s most iconic tourist destinations, was the focal point of the exercise.
Mohamed Bah, Planning and Development Officer at the National Tourist Board, underscored the importance of Sierra Leone’s coastline to the tourism sector but lamented the growing threat of plastic pollution and sewage. “Improper disposal of waste into drainages is a major contributor to beach pollution,” he noted, calling on more organizations to join the cleanup efforts.
Representing the Freetown City Council, Environmental and Sanitation Officer Marian J. Tucker highlighted recent steps taken to improve waste management, including the introduction of a new sanitation by-law and the division of the city into eight sanitation blocks for more efficient waste collection.
“We all have a responsibility to keep our city clean,” Tucker said. “Improper waste disposal has a negative impact on the environment, and we must enforce proper practices.”
The event drew enthusiastic participation from volunteers and local partners, reinforcing a shared commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of Sierra Leone’s tourism potential.