Port Blair, June 5: World Environment Day is observed worldwide on June 5 and celebrated to encourage awareness on environmental protection. "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment" as described by United Nations. The day raises awareness about the environmental issues like global warming, marine pollution, human over-population, protection of wildlife, and sustainable consumption. It has spread so far and wide, that WED has become a global platform for countries to reach out to the public. The theme of World Environment 2020 is 'celebrating biodiversity’ a concern that is both urgent and existential. The fact is that the current environmental crisis is a warning that we must heed collectively. We must now fundamentally rethink our relationship with the living world, with natural ecosystems and their biodiversity.

As part of the World Environment Day, ICAR- Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Garacharma, Port Blair observed the celebration with planting of tree seedlings on 05.06.2020 by its officers and staff following all social distancing norms. The programme was organised in the premises of ICAR-CIARI Garacharma farm under the chairmanship of Dr. B.A. Jererd, Director, ICAR-CIARI. Plants such as five species of bamboo, jamun, mango and several endemic multipurpose tree saplings were planted. All the Heads of Divisions, section In-charges and field staff took part in the green initiative. The Director CIARI, has emphasised to plant more trees in the campus and urged the staff and family members to plant at least one tree for our future generation which will support the livelihood and sustainability of our environment. Shri A.K.Tripathi, Asst. Chief Technical Officer & Farm Manager, Garacharma Farm welcomed the gathering at the field program and presented a vote of thanks at the end. The whole programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. B.A. Jererd CIARI Director. The Institute will be continuing the planting activities throughout the months of June and July with several multi-purpose trees, fruits plants and useful avenue trees. Planting of seedlings of Andaman padauk is also in progress at the campus as part of protecting the endemic timber species with funding from Dept of Biotechnology, Govt of India.