Scuba divers participate in marine cleanup drive in Andamans
The scuba cleanup drive was organised on Saturday by the tourism department under the banner of 'Women's Dive Day 2025' with assistance from various dive associations and centres at North Bay Island, which is famous for coral reefs, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Similar events were also organised at Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island).
Speaking to PTI, Tourism Secretary Jyoti Kumari said, 'We have organised special diving sessions for women participants. We would like to express our gratitude to various scuba dive centers for offering exclusive dive experiences on a complimentary basis to women participants." 'All the diver teams at North Bay, Swaraj Dweep, and Shaheed Dweep carried out underwater cleanup missions, reaffirming their commitment towards marine conservation and sustainable tourism practices," she said.
Niharika Bhatt, Indian Reserve Battalion commandant and Superintendent of Police of Police Marine Force, also took part in the cleanup drive.
'I started diving last year and have completed the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) basic and advance diving courses. In Andaman and Nicobar Islands, there are world-class diving destinations with warm waters, corals and marine life. Diving is an exciting water sport that creates awareness about ocean conservation and protecting marine natural heritage," she said.
'Diving as a sport will help women gain confidence and break mental barriers. Such events will go a long way in promoting diving as well as creating awareness about marine ecology among the locals and tourists," Bhatt said.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has enforced a complete ban on small plastic bottles as part of its drive to save marine ecology.
This year, the forest department has already collected over 50,000 kg of marine plastic waste in the archipelago and this waste has been traced to around 20 countries, officials said. PTI SN SN ACD
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments
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July 20, 2025, 16:00 IST
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