Sri Vijaya Puram, March 27: The Department of Environment & Forests, organised a 1-week Open Water Scuba Diving Course–cum-Reef Monitoring Programme for the frontline staff of the Department at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor. The course concluded yesterday with the valedictory programme held at the Interpretation centre of the Marine National Park at Wandoor. The course was conducted under Biosphere Management Programme of National Coastal Mission, Govt. of India with the objective of capacity building of frontline forest staff in marine conservation, underwater surveillance, and coral reef monitoring— a critical component in training needs of frontline staff for preserving the fragile marine ecosystem of the islands.
Earlier, Shri Sanjay Kumar Sinha, PCCF (ANI) & Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW), A&N Islands, in a remarkable and historic gesture, personally joined with the participants in the scuba diving training and distributed course completion certificates under water, first of its kind in the islands. This marks the first-ever underwater certificate distribution ceremony in the islands, symbolizing an immersive and hands-on approach to marine conservation leadership.
The valedictory function was graced by the chief guest, PCCF (ANI) & CWLW, A&N Islands in the presence of guests of honour, Dr S. Dinesh Kannan, IFS, CCF (Wildlife) and Dr. A. Anil Kumar, IFS, CCF (Territorial).
In his address, the chief guest emphasized on the importance of scientific reef monitoring and skill development among frontline staff to strengthen conservation of marine biodiversity of the islands.
In their valedictory address, the guests of honour highlighted that such initiatives under National Coastal Mission are crucial for building a skilled and responsive workforce capable of protecting the rich marine biodiversity of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. They added that such programme reinforces the department’s commitment to sustainable marine resource management and conservation-driven capacity building.
The one-week training programme included intensive practical sessions on scuba diving, underwater navigation, coral reef identification and monitoring techniques. Participants gained first-hand experience in assessing reef health, identifying marine biodiversity and understanding threats such as coral bleaching and anthropogenic pressures. The event witnessed appreciation for the participants’ dedication and a renewed commitment towards safeguarding the unique and ecologically significant marine ecosystems of the region. Altogether 14 frontline staff of the Department attended the 1-week training.
The programme commenced with the welcome address by Shri Joju P. Alappatt, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and concluded with vote of thanks delivered by Shri Mohammed Hussain, Forester and Dive Instructor, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor.