The Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) marked National Pollution Control Day 2025 with a series of awareness programmes at PM Shri Government Model Senior Secondary School, Mayabunder, in North Andaman, focusing on environmental safety, pollution prevention and responsible daily practices.
Observed every year on December 2 in memory of the victims of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, National Pollution Control Day serves as a reminder of the consequences of industrial disasters and the need for sustained attention to environmental protection. In the islands, the observance was led by ANPCC under the Department of Science and Technology, aligning local outreach with the national objective of promoting environmental awareness among young citizens.
The programme at Mayabunder was structured as an interactive learning exercise aimed at school students. An awareness presentation delivered by a librarian from the Department of Science and Technology covered key themes such as air pollution, water pollution and broader environmental challenges affecting both the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the country at large. Students actively participated in discussions, reflecting growing awareness of ecological issues that directly impact island ecosystems.
Given the islands’ geographical sensitivity and dependence on fragile coastal and marine environments, the focus on pollution-related issues held particular relevance. The session sought to connect global and national environmental concerns with local realities, including waste management, plastic use and protection of natural resources.
To further reinforce the message, a short film titled “Mitha Jahar” was screened during the programme. The film highlighted the hidden dangers of pollution and served as a visual tool to engage students beyond conventional classroom instruction. The screening encouraged reflection on how everyday choices can contribute to long-term environmental harm or protection.
The concluding segment of the programme emphasised behavioural change through symbolic action. Cotton bags carrying the messages “Swachhta Hi Seva” and “Swachh Rashtra Banana Hai” were distributed to students and teachers. The initiative aimed to discourage the use of single-use polythene bags and promote adoption of sustainable alternatives within the school community and beyond.
Officials associated with the programme indicated that such school-level interventions form a critical part of long-term environmental awareness strategies. By targeting students early, the administration aims to foster responsible attitudes towards environmental conservation that extend into households and local communities.
The observance also reflected the broader mandate of the Pollution Control Committee to combine regulatory functions with public outreach. While enforcement and monitoring remain central to pollution control, awareness programmes are increasingly being viewed as essential tools to reduce pollution at source, especially in environmentally sensitive regions such as the islands.
National Pollution Control Day events across the country typically include seminars, workshops and public campaigns. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the focus on schools highlights an approach that prioritises education as a foundation for sustainable environmental practices.
The ANPCC has indicated that similar awareness initiatives will continue as part of its engagement programmes, aimed at building informed communities capable of supporting pollution prevention efforts. The Mayabunder programme formed part of this ongoing effort to link national environmental observances with local action, ensuring that the lessons of past industrial disasters translate into preventive awareness at the grassroots level.
