Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 September 2025
As part of World Tourism Day celebrations, the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), in collaboration with the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), organized a reef cleanup drive at Swaraj Dweep to promote sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
Local scuba diving centers, including Divecolors and Havelock Divers, actively participated in the initiative, joining efforts to protect the fragile coral ecosystem of the islands.
Speaking at the event, Mr. M. Vinod, President of AATO, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to responsible tourism and stressed the importance of safeguarding coral reefs for future generations. Mr. Saikat Biswas, Co-Chairman (Eastern Region) of ATOAI, underscored the urgent need to maintain plastic-free reefs and to conduct adventure water sports in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner.
Adding to the awareness efforts, Mr. Mritunjai Sisodia, Master Instructor of PADI, explained the harmful impact of plastic waste in oceans. He noted that plastics gradually break down into microplastics, contaminating the water and entering the food chain as fish and other marine organisms ingest them.
The waste collected during the drive was later handed over to Panchayat sanitary workers for safe disposal.
The reef cleanup served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ pristine marine biodiversity and ensure it remains preserved for generations to come.
