9 months ago
India's First Underwater Research Centre for Sea Creatures in Andaman
India is building its first underwater research centre in the Andaman Islands.
This centre will help scientists study and protect coral reefs, which are like underwater cities for many sea creatures.
Coral reefs are important because they protect coasts from storms and waves.
The government is also introducing a cool QR code system in a museum so visitors can learn more about the animals on display.
Experts are worried about how climate change is affecting these reefs and the animals that live there.
A special meeting with people from the Coast Guard, Army, and Police was held to talk about how to take care of the ocean and the islands' unique plants and animals.
India's first underwater research centre for coral reefs will be established in Chidiyatapu, South Andaman.
The centre, costing Rs 120 crore, will focus on research, conservation, and management of coral reefs.
A QR code-based system will be introduced at the ZSI Museum in Sri Vijay Puram for digital access to species information.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of India's four biodiversity hotspots, hosting a variety of native and migratory species.
A three-day workshop on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Island Ecosystems concluded with participation from various agencies.
- Who
- Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
- What
- Setting up India's first underwater research centre for studying sea creatures, specifically coral reefs
- Where
- Chidiyatapu, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- When
- The workshop concluded on Saturday, specific timeline for the centre's establishment not mentioned
- Why
- To strengthen research, conservation, and management of coral reefs, which are crucial for coastal protection and biodiversity
Key facts
- Location
- Chidiyatapu, South Andaman
- Cost
- Rs 120 crore
- Objective
- Research, conservation, and management of coral reefs
- Workshop Participants
- 20 personnel from Indian Coast Guard, INS Jarawa, Indian Army, and Andaman & Nicobar Police
- QR Code System
- Introduced at ZSI Museum in Sri Vijay Puram for digital access to species information
Quotes
Sivaperuman
Officer-in-charge of the Zoological Survey of India's Andaman & Nicobar regional centre
“Coral reefs play a pivotal role as they provide natural coastal protection against storms, working as a cushion against waves. The reefs help prevent loss of life and properties in the coastal region.”
thetatva.in
“It will be an advanced coral reef research, conservation, and management centre.”
thetatva.in
Kailash Chandra
Former director of the Zoological Survey of India
“Our government is actively encouraging biodiversity enthusiasts by providing opportunities to name newly discovered species. The government is providing all assistance to interlink agriculture and island biodiversity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.”
thetatva.in
Sources
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