Port Blair, Jun 04: The Zoological survey of India (ZSI), Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Port Blair organised a one day workshop on Island Biodiversity in its auditorium today to mark the World Environment Day. Mr. Tarun Coomar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Principal Secretary (Environment & Forests), Andaman and Nicobar Islands were the chief guest on the occasion.
Delivering the inaugural address on the occasion, Mr. Coomar said all stakeholders along with people must join and work together to protect and conserve Mother Earth. He gave a brief overview of the work being under taken by the organisations like CIARI, ZSI, and Indian Coast Guard amongst others to protect and conserve the environment.
In his address, Dr. A. Kundu, Director, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Port Blair shared various researches being carried out or contemplated by CIARI to study the unique biodiversity of the islands.
Speaking on the occasion, Inspector General M.V. PATHAK, Commander Indian Coast Region (A&N) informed that the Indian Coast Guard planted over one lakhs trees during last one year. He said Indian Coast Guard is also working for protecting and preserving environment as part of the social responsibility.
Earlier, Dr. C Sivaperuman, Officer-in-Charge, ZSI, Port Blair welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of World Environment day. He informed the gathering about the biodiversity of the islands and urged everyone to plant trees on life events like birthdays and anniversaries. Dr. M S Soundarapandian, Principal, Andaman Law college also shared his views on the occasion.
Scientists, researchers, teachers and students of various institutes from Andaman and Nicobar Islands were present on the occasion. As a part of World Environment Day Celebration 2019, ZSI, Port Blair organized various programmes/initiatives including Campus Cleaning activities, cleanliness drive in Marina Park, Exhibition of faunal diversity of A & N Islands through LED displays, pamphlets & brochures and Illumination of office building with Green LED light. ZSI has also planned painting competition for the School / College students on 15th of this month and coastal cleaning in Middle Andaman. The World Environment Day 2019 is being hosted by China, with a theme of “Beat Air Pollution”, a PIB Port Blair release said.