NewzVille Exclusive
From a tourism point of view Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) is an amazing destination. People around the world come to this place for different adventure sports like Jet Ski Ride, Seakart, Scuba Diving, Trekking, Game Fishing, But those who are Nature-Lovers, they come to witness and relax with Bird Watching, Wildlife, and Meditation. Some come to have a look at the heritage site i.e. Cellular Jail.
With spreading over 8,250 Sq km, the Island has a population of nearly 5 Lakhs. It has some total of 836 islands out of which 31 are inhabited. It is a Union Territory situated in the Indian Ocean, in the southern reaches of the Bay of Bengal, nearer Indonesia and Thailand.
An average of 5 lakhs per annum come to visit the beautiful island. Then arises the real problem of managing the garbage they create/litter, particularly plastic which disturbs the ecological balance in the region.
Even though the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, being relatively less polluted, Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Vice Chancellor, Pondicherry University raised the concern of the danger of microplastics, describing them as invisible yet harmful pollutants that have entered the food chain & food web and are potentially linked to severe health issues, including cancer, due to prolonged chemical exposure. He was speaking at the World Environment Day 2025 organized by the Zoological Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre and EIACP Centre on Island Biodiversity.
During the event other eminent guests also shared their thoughts. Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Additional Director, Zoological Survey of India emphasized that World Environment Day is a global platform to raise awareness and promote responsibility toward protecting Earth’s vital resources air, water, food, and climate.
He stressed that the planet is currently facing unprecedented environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and deforestation, and urged everyone to adopt sustainable practices such as reducing carbon footprints, conserving water, recycling waste, and supporting eco-friendly choices in daily life.
Dr. Sivaperuman encouraged the youth to continue their commitment beyond the event and become ambassadors of environmental protection in their communities.
Dr. Ramakrishna, Former Director, Zoological Survey of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India stressed on the growing crisis of plastic pollution and its irreversible impact on ecosystems.
He emphasized that ZSI and BSI are the only two premier scientific institutions, playing a pivotal role in conservation, research, and policy implementation. He encouraged people, especially the youth, to treat every day as Environment Day, not just June 5 and urged the youth to adopt sustainability as a way of life.
Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Agriculture, AH&VS) A & N Islands highlighted how plastic pollution has direct consequences on animal health and rural livelihoods. These incidents served as a powerful reminder that environmental degradation is not abstract, but a tangible crisis affecting daily life.
She encouraged students and participants to become environmental advocates, speakers, and leaders who act locally and inspire globally.
Dr. Lal Ji Singh, Additional Director, Botanical Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, He raised concern over the alarming presence of microplastics in food, water, and air, warning of their potential health hazards to humans and their disruptive impact on ecological balance.
Dr. Singh urged individuals to take personal responsibility by educating themselves about sustainability and climate change, embracing the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” lifestyle, supporting and implementing green initiatives in schools, workplaces and local communities.
In line with the World Environment Day 2025, impactful activities organized, which includes; Drawing, Slogan writing, Quiz competitions for students to foster awareness and creativity, Beach clean-up drive at Burmanallah, engaging over 80 participants,
A plastics-themed awareness exhibition highlighting the dangers of plastic pollution, photography competition focused on nature and conservation, an online seminar featuring over 100 national-level participants and environmental awareness rally were also organized.
