Port Blair, Mar. 25: Andaman & Nicobar Islands have a long coastline with fragile biosphere which is highly vulnerable to climate change events like rising sea levels and seawater ingress, natural disasters like earthquakes, cyclones and extreme climatic events. In order to minimize the impact of events occurring on account of climate change phenomena and to create awareness regarding climate change and consequent restorative techniques viz. mitigation and adaptation, especially among youngsters and students, a Walkathon was organized by NABARD on Saturday 25th March.
Shri Ashish Joon, Joint Secretary, Port Blair Municipal Council flagged off the Walkathon from Flag Point this morning. The Walkathon traversed from Flag Point through ANIIDCO Office, Fire Brigade Secretariat and culminated at NABARD Office on VIP Road. While flagging off the Walkathon, the Joint Secretary appealed to the students to become the torch bearers of the adaptation and mitigation measures of Climate Change.
In his address, Shri H Manoj, GM/OIC, NABARD highlighted how vulnerable are the Islands to climate change and the efforts required at individual, village, State, National and International levels to reduce its impact. Students from Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalay (JNRM) under the guidance of Dr. Venkatesan, Head, Department of Home Science, JNRM; representatives from NGOs, SHGs, NABARD Staff, etc. actively participated in the Walkathon. More than 120 students and youngsters participated in the Walkathon.