Sri Vijaya Puram, April 23: Environmental awareness and youth participation were brought into focus as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, observed Earth Day 2026 through a series of educational and community-driven activities aimed at promoting sustainability and ecological responsibility.
The observance featured a painting competition held at the Science and Technology Awareness Hub for students of Classes VI to VIII. Centered on the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” the competition encouraged students to express environmental and scientific concerns through visual art, highlighting issues related to nature and conservation.
In the competition results, First Prize of Rs. 2000 was awarded to K. Srinidhi, Class VI student of VKV Senior Secondary School, Lamba Line. Second Prize of Rs. 1500 went to J.P. Riddhishaa, also from Class VI of VKV Senior Secondary School, Lamba Line. Third Prize of Rs. 1000 was secured by P. Anshika, Class VIII student of GSSS Bathubasti. A Consolation Prize of Rs. 750 was awarded to Sanjoy Mistri, Class VI student of GSSS School Line.
As part of the Earth Day programme, a nature trekking activity was organised on April 17 at Chidiyatapu involving students and teachers from GSSS Bathubasti. The educational trek, guided by Dr. B. Sumit Kumar Rao, Entomologist with NVBDCP, and other experts, provided students with direct exposure to the region’s biodiversity.
The trek included bird-watching activities at the Bada Balu area, allowing participants to observe local flora and fauna and gain practical understanding of ecological conservation and environmental balance.
On April 18, DST staff carried out a beach cleaning drive at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, focusing on environmental cleanliness and waste management awareness. The activity formed part of the broader initiative to engage participants in hands-on environmental responsibility.
The Earth Day observance concluded with a tree plantation drive at the DST campus in Dollygunj. The Secretary of Science and Technology inaugurated the programme by planting saplings and underscored the importance of environmental protection and sustainable living. The address highlighted collective responsibility in preserving the planet.
Students from Industrial Training Institute (ITI), painting competition winners, and DST staff participated in the plantation drive. A total of 50 saplings were planted within the campus as part of the initiative. Prizes from the painting competition were also distributed during the concluding programme.
The series of events brought together classroom learning and field-based environmental activities, aiming to strengthen awareness among young participants about conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable practices.
