Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 9: The Forest & Environment Department, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, organized the valedictory function yesterday, marking the culmination of a week-long series of activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness, wildlife conservation and sustainable eco-tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The function was graced by Shri Gyanesh Bharti, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration as the chief guest. Shri Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, PCCF (ANI), and Shri Ravi Horo, IFS, PCCF (WL) & CWLW, attended the function as guests of honours. Senior officers of the Forest & Environment Department and other departments of the Administration were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of the Department of Environment & Forest for successfully organizing the week-long programme and various activities. He commended the Department for its sustained initiatives towards environmental conservation, wildlife protection and the promotion of sustainable eco-tourism in the Islands.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the significance of the publications released and the digital initiatives launched during the occasion. He further suggested that the books released on the occasion be made available in the libraries of schools and colleges to promote environmental awareness and inculcate a spirit of conservation among students and the younger generation.
Dr. S.Dinesh Kannan, CCF (WL) addressed the gathering and shared his valuable insights and emphasized the significance of environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
A significant highlight of the function was the release of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Marine Turtle Conservation and the launch of Beach cleaning report.
The function also witnessed the launch of the official Eco-Tourism Portal of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, accessible at https://ecotourism.andamannicobar.gov.in. The portal has been developed to facilitate tourists in accessing essential information for planning visits to eco-tourism destinations across the Islands. It provides details regarding the opening and closing timings of tourist destinations, entry fees, favourable seasons for visits and other relevant information. The initiative is expected to enhance access to tourism-related information, facilitate informed travel planning and promote responsible and sustainable tourism.
On the occasion, the Van Prahari App was also launched to facilitate the monitoring of patrolling activities and other field-level operations, thereby strengthening surveillance and improving the efficiency of forest protection and enforcement activities.
The function also highlighted the outcome of the beach-cleaning drive conducted across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from Sept. 19 to Oct. 6 under the project Beyond Beach Cleaning (BBC). During the drive, approximately 120 beaches across the Islands were cleaned as part of the efforts to maintain coastal cleanliness, protect the marine environment and promote environmental responsibility. The initiative reflects the Department’s continued commitment to coastal and marine conservation and to fostering public awareness regarding the importance of keeping the Islands’ beaches clean and pollution-free.
The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Shri Jojo P Alapatt, CF (WL), who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, senior officers, participants, organizers and all those associated with the successful conduct of the programme.