Sri Vijaya Puram, June 5: From guided agro-walks and plantation drives to art competitions and island tours, World Environment Day 2025 unfolded across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with an array of community-centric, educational activities aimed at driving home the theme of “Ending Plastic Pollution.”
At the State Library in Sri Vijaya Puram, more than 300 students, including over 25 divyang children, gathered to participate in Rang Utsav, a painting and book reading competition organised by the Education Department. The theme, “One Nation One Mission: End Plastic Pollution,” prompted students from primary to secondary levels to creatively engage with environmental challenges through visual and literary expression. The event was graced by the Secretary (Education), who underscored the role of sustainable practices and library resources in shaping eco-conscious citizens. Other officials from the Education and Civil Supplies departments, along with police personnel, were present to support the initiative. Prizes and certificates sponsored by local NGOs and civic clubs were distributed to the winners.
Parallelly, at Government Saw Mill in Chatham, the Department of Environment and Forests marked the day with the inauguration of ‘Van Sanchar’ and the launch of the e-SMART application. Officials also unveiled a bust of Durgaprasad and planted trees as part of the national campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.” The department reiterated its ongoing engagement in beach clean-ups and plastic waste awareness campaigns, highlighting its commitment to the annual theme.
In a significant effort to promote sustainable tourism, the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with ICAR-CIARI, hosted the “Dweep Agro Eco Walk” at Sippighat. Students from JNRM and ITI participated in a nature trail through agricultural plots showcasing medicinal plants, fruit-bearing trees, and rare indigenous flora. Officials emphasized agro-tourism as a tool for biodiversity education and economic sustainability. The walk concluded with a lecture series at CIARI, where scientists elaborated on horticulture, floriculture, and the commercial viability of agricultural initiatives in the Islands. The World Coconut Germplasm Centre, mangrove viewpoints, and spice processing units were among the highlights aimed at integrating visitor experience with ecological awareness.
Meanwhile, in Swaraj Dweep, the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration led a tree plantation drive at Radhanagar Beach and Dolphin Resort. His visit emphasized the importance of combating plastic waste, aligning with the national theme. The Swaraj Dweep Forest Division further supported the observance with cleanliness drives, bird-watching events, tidal walks, and nature trails, reinforcing community involvement in conservation.
Complementing these initiatives, India Tourism, in collaboration with the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), conducted an educational boat tour for students of Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya to Red Skin Island. Located within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, the trip adhered strictly to eco-tourism norms. Forest officials briefed the students at the Marine Interpretation Centre about the fragile marine ecosystems. India Tourism representatives highlighted the significance of nurturing sustainable tourism practices among youth. Refreshments were provided, and the tour concluded with a renewed pledge towards conservation.
Rounding out the day, the Lt. Governor of the Islands planted a sapling of Mangifera indica at Raj Niwas, marking the administration’s symbolic commitment to green practices.
Taken together, these initiatives reflect a coordinated and multi-agency approach to environmental advocacy in the Islands. With strong participation from educational institutions, civic bodies, NGOs, and tourism stakeholders, World Environment Day 2025 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands succeeded in turning awareness into action – one sapling, one brushstroke, and one eco-walk at a time.
