The Department of Environment & Forests organised a one-week Open Water Scuba Diving Course–cum-Reef Monitoring Programme at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor, aimed at enhancing frontline staff capacity in marine conservation and coral reef monitoring. The training, conducted under the Biosphere Management Programme of the National Coastal Mission, provided hands-on skills in underwater surveillance, reef assessment, and marine biodiversity protection.
PCCF (ANI) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Sanjay Kumar Sinha, joined participants in the scuba training and personally distributed course completion certificates underwater, marking the first-ever underwater certificate ceremony in the islands. The event underlined an immersive approach to marine conservation leadership.
The valedictory programme, held at the park’s Interpretation Centre, was attended by guests of honour Dr S. Dinesh Kannan, IFS, CCF (Wildlife), and Dr. A. Anil Kumar, IFS, CCF (Territorial). In his address, Sinha highlighted the importance of scientific reef monitoring and skill development to strengthen the conservation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ marine biodiversity.
The guests of honour emphasized that such initiatives under the National Coastal Mission are vital for creating a skilled and responsive workforce capable of protecting the region’s fragile marine ecosystems. They reiterated the department’s commitment to sustainable marine resource management and conservation-driven capacity building.
The training programme included intensive practical sessions in scuba diving, underwater navigation, coral reef identification, and monitoring techniques. Participants gained direct experience assessing reef health, identifying marine species, and understanding threats such as coral bleaching and human-induced pressures.
Fourteen frontline staff attended the programme, which commenced with a welcome address by Joju P. Alappatt, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), and concluded with a vote of thanks from Mohammed Hussain, Forester and Dive Instructor at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The programme fostered a renewed commitment among participants toward safeguarding the unique marine ecosystems of the islands.
By integrating practical training with immersive experiences, the Department of Environment & Forests has taken a pioneering step in frontline staff capacity building, reinforcing conservation priorities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
