Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 25: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) conducted a series of awareness programmes across North and Middle Andaman to educate school and college students about ozone layer conservation, marking World Ozone Day 2026 through seminars, competitions and educational outreach.
The multi-day initiative focused on strengthening awareness of the ozone layer’s role in protecting the environment and public health while encouraging student participation through academic and creative activities.
On August 19, awareness sessions were organised at PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Subhashgram, and PM SHRI Government Model Senior Secondary School, Mayabunder. Presentations covered the significance of the ozone layer, the causes and consequences of ozone depletion, and its environmental and health impacts. The sessions were delivered by V. Satyanarayana, Librarian, Department of Science and Technology.
Poster-making competitions were also held at both schools under the supervision of P. Senthil Kumar, Artist, DST. At PM SHRI GSSS, Subhashgram, Anamika Das secured first place, followed by Kumari Sathi Haldar in second and Kumar Arnab Dey in third. At PM SHRI GMSS, Mayabunder, Kumar Shivank Kumar won first place, while Kumari Mahima Tirkey and Kumari Bishal Mondal secured the second and third positions, respectively.
The winning students received cash prizes and certificates during separate prize distribution ceremonies. At Subhashgram, the awards were presented by Principal Kakoli Dey, while Principal Prakash Haldar presented the prizes at the Mayabunder school.
The programme continued on August 20 with a College-Level Students’ Science Seminar at Mahatma Gandhi Government College, Mayabunder. Nine students delivered PowerPoint presentations on the theme, “Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”
In the seminar, Kumari Disha Majhi of B.Sc. Geography III Year secured first place, Kumari Nepa Roy of B.Sc. Geography II Year finished second, and Kum. Laldin Puia of B.Com I Year secured third place.
A poster-making competition was also organised at the college. Kumari Punam Das secured first position, followed by Kumari Prachi Bepari in second and Kumari Ankita Mazumdar in third.
On August 21, the department organised another awareness programme and poster-making competition at PM SHRI GSSS, Rangat. Kumari Papiya Das of Class XI, PM SHRI GSSS, Rangat, secured first place. Kumari Astha Lakra of Class XI secured second, while Kumari S. Ritika of Class XI from PM SHRI GSSS, Sabari Junction, finished third.
As part of the outreach campaign, the Department of Science and Technology also distributed “Save Ozone Layer” awareness posters and cloth bags to participating schools and colleges.
