Sri Vijaya Puram, June 10: More than 18,000 saplings were planted across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of a large-scale plantation campaign organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to mark World Environment Day 2026.
The campaign, conducted under the theme “Climate Action,” brought together government departments, institutions, students and community groups in one of the largest coordinated plantation efforts reported in the Union Territory this year.
According to officials, a total of 18,068 saplings were planted through collaborative activities undertaken across different regions of the islands. The initiative was aimed at increasing green cover, supporting ecological sustainability and promoting public participation in environmental conservation.
The main event was held at the Department of Science and Technology campus in Sri Vijaya Puram, where Director of Science and Technology Rakesh Das formally inaugurated the programme by planting a sapling.
As part of the celebrations, the department distributed 100 saplings to community groups and students to encourage plantation activities beyond government premises. Officials said such community-driven initiatives are essential for achieving long-term environmental goals and creating awareness about climate-related challenges.
Employees of the department joined hands with student interns from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology to undertake plantation activities on the campus. Participants also engaged in awareness efforts aimed at encouraging local residents to contribute to greening initiatives.
The plantation drive formed part of a broader observance of World Environment Day, which this year focused on climate action and environmental sustainability. Environmental experts increasingly view tree plantation as one of several important measures that can help improve local ecosystems, reduce soil erosion and contribute to climate resilience.
Alongside the plantation campaign, the department also announced a significant digital governance initiative related to environmental regulation.
The Member Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC)-cum-Director (Science and Technology) formally launched the onboarding of ANPCC onto the Unified Consent and Authorisation Management System (UCAMS), a digital platform developed by the Central Pollution Control Board.
The UCAMS portal will facilitate online processing of Consent to Establish (CTE), Consent to Operate (CTO) and environmental authorisations for industrial units operating in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Authorities said the move is expected to streamline environmental approval procedures while enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Officials described the twin initiatives, environmental restoration through plantation and modernization of regulatory processes through digital systems, as complementary steps towards sustainable development.
The department noted that addressing environmental challenges requires both ecological interventions and stronger governance mechanisms. Increasing green cover, promoting public participation and adopting technology-driven regulatory systems are viewed as important components of long-term environmental management strategies.
With thousands of saplings planted and a new digital platform rolled out, this year’s World Environment Day observance highlighted the administration’s focus on balancing environmental protection with administrative modernization in the islands.
