HCL Foundation, which drives the corporate social responsibility initiatives of global technology firm HCLTech in India, led a coastal cleanup campaign across six states—Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and West Bengal—to commemorate International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025. This initiative engaged local communities, HCLTech employees, and partner organizations, resulting in the collection of over 20,000 kilograms of marine debris by more than 5,000 volunteers, underscoring HCL Foundation’s dedication to safeguarding India’s coastal and marine ecosystems. Collaborations with prominent environmental organizations this year included the Animal Welfare Conservation Society, ReefWatch Marine Conservation, SPANDAN, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Environmentalist Foundation of India, Development Research Communication and Services Centre, Plan@tEarth, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust, and Tree Foundation.
Over the last four years, HCL Foundation and its partners have effectively removed more than 560,000 kilograms of ghost nets and marine debris from the coastal waters of India. A significant achievement in marine conservation was marked in 2024 when HCL Foundation, the Indian Coast Guard, and The Habitats Trust (THT) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to tackle challenges facing India’s marine biodiversity. This collaboration utilizes scientific knowledge, operational capabilities, and grassroots involvement to enhance conservation efforts along the nation’s coastlines. On International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, HCL Foundation, the Indian Coast Guard, and THT collaboratively participated in the national cleanup campaign, showcasing their unified commitment to marine conservation.
“Environmental sustainability is at the heart of our mission to create resilient and inclusive communities,” stated Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, SVP, Global CSR, HCLTech, and Director, HCL Foundation. “Our coastal cleanup initiative transcends waste removal—it encourages shared responsibility and cultivates a culture of environmental stewardship. Through our partnerships, we are amplifying efforts to conserve and restore India’s marine ecosystems.