Sri Vijaya Puram, Sep 25: The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), in association with the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), organized a Reef Cleanup Drive at Swaraj Dweep as part of the World Tourism Day celebrations.
The initiative witnessed active participation from several local scuba diving centers, including Divecolors and Havelock Divers, who joined hands to protect and preserve the fragile marine ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. M. Vinod, President of AATO, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to sustainable tourism and emphasized the importance of safeguarding coral reefs for future generations.
Mr. Saikat Biswas, Co-Chairman, Eastern Region, ATOAI, stressed the urgent need to maintain plastic-free reefs and protect corals from any form of damage. He further highlighted the responsibility of conducting adventure water sports in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner.
Adding valuable insights, Mr. Mritunjai Sisodia, Master Instructor of PADI, educated participants on the harmful effects of plastic waste in oceans. He explained how plastics eventually degrade into microplastics, contaminating the water and entering the food chain as fish and other marine life consume them.
The waste collected during the drive was later handed over to the local Panchayat’s sanitary workers for safe and proper disposal.
This reef cleanup drive stands as a strong reminder of the need for responsible tourism and collective action to ensure that Andaman’s pristine marine biodiversity remains protected for generations to come.
