Port Blair, Oct. 7: As a part of the ongoing 68th Wildlife Week Celebration to enhance the coral growth in degraded patches of Phongibalu area and to facilitate eco-tourism activities therein, an artificial reef module was installed by the Department of Environment & Forests. Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration installed the reef module as the chief guest of the function by tying fragmented corals. Ms Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Environment & Forests), the guest of honour also tied coral fragments and the structure was installed in the designated place by the Scuba Diving Unit of the Forest Department.

The Chief Secretary also inspected the new interpretation facilities created at the Phongibalu Jetty which would facilitate appreciating diverse coral and allied marine life present in the area and appreciated the efforts of the Department. The programme was also graced by PCCF (ANI), senior officers of the Forest Department and PRI members.