Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 03 February 2025
In a bid to promote environmental sustainability, the Andaman & Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC), in collaboration with the Department of Science & Technology (DST), recently held a series of impactful awareness programs across multiple institutions in North & Middle Andaman.
The sessions, focused on critical environmental issues such as waste management, climate change, and the dangers of single-use plastics, aimed to instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment among local students. Institutions including Government Model Senior Secondary School, Mayabunder, Mahatma Gandhi Government College, Mayabunder, V.K. Zilla Parishad Vidyalaya, Kadamtala, and Government Senior Secondary School, Kadamtala, hosted the program with the support of respective school and college principals.
Key presentations were delivered by resource persons from DST, including Law Officer Ms. R. Svathi Lakshmi, Junior Scientific Assistant Ms. Pavya, and Artist Mr. P. Senthil Kumar. They provided insightful discussions on various forms of pollution—air, water, and land—highlighting their causes, sources, and effective preventive measures. Special attention was given to the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
A highlight of the program included the screening of videos that demonstrated advanced waste treatment technologies such as incineration, pyrolysis, and recycling. The sessions also covered regulatory measures implemented by ANPCC to monitor industrial compliance with environmental standards and curb pollution.
In addition to these presentations, the importance of the global plastic treaty and the circular economy model was emphasized as a pathway towards sustainable business practices. The students actively participated in discussions on the environmental hazards of Single-Use Plastics (SUP) and were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.
To further inspire action, the program distributed cloth bags, pamphlets, and posters promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over 300 students from the participating institutions engaged in the sessions, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and motivating them to become ambassadors for change.
Through this initiative, ANPCC is empowering the youth of Andaman & Nicobar Islands to take proactive steps in addressing pressing environmental challenges, contributing towards a greener and more sustainable future for the region.