Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21 , From rap-fire quizzes to recycled-plastic art, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has packed 48 hours of eco-activism into its World Environment Day calendar, all pivoting on 2025’s global theme, “Combating Plastic Pollution.” The EIACP Centre on Island Biodiversity, housed at the ZSI campus in Haddo, today released a lineup spanning May 29 and June 4.
▪ 29 May, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. , A quiz on plastic-waste strategies followed by a debate on banning single-use plastics; open to school and college contingents, teachers and research scholars.
▪ 29 May, 2-5 p.m. , Drawing contest titled “Plastic Pollution in Our Ocean.”
▪ 4 June (all day) , Twin exhibitions: one on up-cycled plastic creations, another showcasing the islands’ faunal diversity, plus a photo competition on impact and community action.
The Andamans generate roughly 40 tonnes of municipal waste daily; floating debris routinely washes onto coral beaches. Organisers hope creative engagement will push young islanders from awareness to behavioural change.
Entries are free; categories span solo and team formats. ZSI has circulated hotlines +91-3192-233148 and an email anrszsi@gmail.com for registration. Winners will take home certificates and eco-kits; standout photographs may tour schools as travelling exhibits.
Researchers say data from the quiz and debate will feed into a baseline survey on public perception of plastics, aiding future policy workshops. Exhibits will also demonstrate low-tech recycling, from bottle-brick benches to fish-net tote bags, adaptable for island enterprises.
Local NGOs plan beach clean-ups to dovetail with the events, while startups dealing in compostables have pledged product demos. ZSI curators expect footfall to exceed last year’s 500-visitor mark, signalling growing youth ownership of the plastic narrative.
With World Environment Day falling on 5 June, the week-ahead schedule positions Haddo as the island chain’s green classroom, inviting residents to swap passivity for participation in the war on waste.
