The Andaman & Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) observed National Pollution Control Day 2025 with an extensive series of awareness activities across all three districts, highlighting the need for environmental safety and pollution prevention. Commemorated annually in memory of the victims of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the day serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of industrial negligence and the continued need for environmental vigilance.
The observance extended across North & Middle Andaman, South Andaman and the Nicobar Districts, with departments, schools and community stakeholders participating in educational and outreach programmes. In North & Middle Andaman, schools hosted painting competitions for senior students alongside presentations and film screenings on environmental conservation. Cotton cloth bags were distributed to encourage reduction of single-use plastics. The sessions were coordinated through libraries and district-level teams to build awareness among students and promote sustainable habits within communities.
In South Andaman, awareness programmes were led by scientific staff from the Department of Science & Technology. Presentations at various schools explained air pollution, waste generation, and the long-term environmental effects of everyday choices. Students participated in interactive discussions following the screening of short films on pollution-related issues. The sessions aimed at enabling students to recognise the environmental impact of vehicular emissions, plastic waste and resource misuse, and to encourage them to adopt practices that promote clean air and reduce pollution levels.
As part of the island-wide observance, a painting competition was held on November 29 at the Awareness Hub in Dollygunj. Junior and senior-level students took part, presenting artworks on the theme “clean air, green earth: a step towards sustainable living.” Winners were recognised in both categories, and the event sought to instil environmental responsibility among schoolchildren through creative expression.
In Nicobar District, a painting competition for senior students was held at Campbell Bay, where participants focused on themes related to environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources. The competition encouraged students to explore the link between nature, pollution control and community wellbeing.
Alongside the school-level events, ANPCC conducted an outreach initiative across prominent petrol stations in South Andaman, including Lamba Line, Bathubasti, Corbyn’s Cove Circle and Jodakilan. More than 200 vehicles were covered in a sticker-pasting drive carrying the message “Walk more Drive safe,” aimed at raising awareness about vehicular emissions and promoting more responsible modes of travel. The initiative highlighted how individual choices contribute to island-wide air quality, urging citizens to adopt healthier and more environmentally conscious commuting practices.
The observance concluded with the distribution of cash prizes to winners of the painting competitions in the South Andaman region. The awards were presented by the Director of the Department of Science & Technology, who acknowledged the enthusiasm of students and the significance of involving young voices in environmental advocacy. Officials emphasised that awareness drives must be accompanied by consistent action at household, institutional and administrative levels to achieve long-term environmental protection.
National Pollution Control Day 2025 saw wide participation from schools, scientific institutions and district authorities across the islands. The activities carried out by ANPCC underlined the need to promote sustainable living practices, reduce dependency on plastics, address pollution sources and cultivate environmental consciousness starting from early education. With increasing environmental pressures on island ecosystems, the observance reinforced the essential message that reducing pollution remains a shared and continual responsibility for the Andaman and Nicobar community.
