Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 June 2025
In a concerted effort to enhance coastal biodiversity and promote environmental sustainability, a mangrove plantation drive was organized on June 5 and 6, 2025, at the eastern side and South Tundi Point of Minicoy Island. The initiative was spearheaded by the scientific team of ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Regional Station, Minicoy, in collaboration with ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Field Lab, Kavaratti, and the Indian Social Service (ISS), New Delhi.
Held as part of the World Environment Day celebrations under the global campaign theme “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution,” the drive witnessed the planting of various mangrove species including 200 Bruguiera, 150 Avicennia, 100 Kandelia, and 50 Rhizophora saplings.
The event saw active participation from local community leaders, officials from the Department of Forest, ASHA workers, and several other stakeholders, whose involvement was instrumental in fostering awareness about the critical role of mangrove ecosystems in combating climate change and supporting marine life.
The programme was conducted under the chairmanship of Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI. The scientific team comprising Dr. Gladston Y., Ajina S.M., and Dr. Abdul Azeez, along with Mr. Shareefuddeen Hassan (T5) and Mr. Arif M.I. (T2), led the plantation efforts on ground.
This collaborative drive underscores a growing commitment to environmental conservation in Lakshadweep and aligns with broader global efforts to restore natural habitats and curb plastic pollution.