Port Blair, April 22: The Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands (ACOSTI), NIOT celebrated World Earth Day at Port Blair to recognize the importance of global climate change affecting marine life. The World Earth Day celebration showcased the talent of school students who actively participated in drawing and slogan/song competitions at ACOSTI, NIOT campus at Dollygunj. Nearly 40 students from St. Mary’s School enthusiastically participated in the competitions.
The theme for World Earth Day 2024 is “Planet Vs. Plastics” highlighting the need for a global movement to significantly reduce single-use plastic and protect the earth from plastic pollution for future generations. It is expected to work toward a plastic-free future by advocating a 60% decrease in single use plastic manufacturing by 2040. During the programme, a short video on plastic pollution and its impact on the marine ecosystem was shown to the school students which displayed the ingestion of plastic, suffocation and entanglement of marine species such as whales, fish, turtles, etc.
As part of World Earth Day, 22nd April 2024, the students, school teachers, NIOT-ACOSTI staff, and other dignitaries participated in the beach cleanliness drive at Minnie Bay Beach. An awareness was created among the students about the “Plastic Mukt Bharat”. The inauguration program was presided over by Shri Vishwendra, Secretary (Fisheries, IP&T, Art and Culture, Civil Aviation, Transport), A&N Administration, Rev. Fr. Anup Joseph Eapen, Manager, St. Mary’s School, Dr. Lal Ji Singh, Scientist-F & Head of Office, Botanical Survey of India, Dr. Mohan Raju and Dr. P.M. Mohan, Professors, Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Pondicherry University, and Dr. Dilip Kumar Jha, Officer-In-Charge, ACOSTI, also participated in the inaugural ceremony.
During the function, Shri Vishwendra, Chief Guest, emphasized the importance of “Plastic Mukt Bharat” and suggested the concept can be propagated through the student's involvement in the process. He also appreciated the initiatives taken by the NIOT-ACOSTI, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India to conduct such a program with the involvement of the School, University, research organization, and A&N Administration. Other dignitaries addressed the students and suggested the involvement of students will bring change and also help the students to understand the importance of a healthy ecosystem for a sustainable environment.
On the day of the event, a total of 75 volunteers participated and segregated marine litter. To create awareness among the students, a plantation drive was also conducted by ACOSTI-NIOT. The idea behind plantation activity was to propagate the message that planting trees helps to maintain a clear eco-friendly environment reduces pollution and improves the environment. A spirit of teamwork, exchange of ideas, and enthusiasm of the participants especially among the students were observed during the event. “Planet Vs. Plastics” Earth Day 2024 celebration will play a pivotal role in shaping young minds with creativity, innovation, and confidence in their upcoming endeavors. Prizes were distributed among the winners for the different competitions conducted during the occasion.