Sri Vijaya Puram, October 5: The Department of Environment and Forests held sailing and birding programmes as part of the 72nd Wildlife Week Celebration–2026, bringing conservation activities into public spaces and natural habitats while encouraging participation in outdoor and water-based activities.
In one of the programmes, the department, in collaboration with the Andaman Nicobar Sailing Club, conducted a Sailing Mini Marathon from Marina Park to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Island. The event was organised to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and encourage outdoor recreation, water-based activities, adventure, healthy recreation and environmental responsibility, particularly among younger people.
Secretary Neeraj Bharati attended the sailing event as chief guest in the presence of Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan and senior officers and officials of the Environment and Forests Department.
The sailing competition was held in two categories — Children and Adults. Participants sailed from Marina Park towards Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Island. T. Hetanshi won the first prize in the Children’s Category, while Yash Jadav secured the first position among adults. Prizes were also presented to participants who finished second and third in both categories.
Bharati distributed the prizes to the winners and certificates of participation to all participants. The Andaman Nicobar Sailing Club was represented by Honorary Secretary Mohammed Pervaiz and other club members.
Separately, the Environment and Forests Department conducted a birding programme at Chidiyatapu Biological Park to increase public engagement with the Islands’ avian diversity and wildlife conservation.
Chief Secretary Gyanesh Bharti, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (ANI) Sanjay Kumar Sinha and senior officers of the Administration and Environment and Forests Department attended the programme.
Around 35 nature enthusiasts took part, including members of the Avians Club, Andaman Nicobar Tour Operators Association, Andaman Association of Tour Operators, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, college students from Pondicherry University and volunteers from different walks of life.
Participants followed natural trails inside Chidiyatapu Biological Park and undertook bird watching. The exercise provided opportunities to observe several species, including the Andaman Green Pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon, Andaman Treepie, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Racket-tailed Drongo, Andaman Black-naped Oriole, Andaman Coucal, Andaman Bulbul, Red-whiskered Bulbul, White-headed Starling, Asian Glossy Starling, Andaman Serpent Eagle and White-bellied Sea Eagle, among others.
The two programmes formed part of the 72nd Wildlife Week Celebration–2026 and brought together officials, students, residents, sailing participants and nature enthusiasts through different forms of engagement with wildlife and the Islands’ natural environment.
