Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ Biodiversity: Dr Jitendra Singh Highlights Strategic Role in India’s Climate Resilience, Blue Economy, and Global Conservation
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, has emphasized that the biodiversity of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is indispensable for India’s environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and economic security.
During his visit to the Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at Sri Vijaya Puram, the Minister described the island ecosystem as a “living laboratory of biodiversity,” where scientific research, conservation initiatives, and sustainable livelihoods must operate in harmony.
Island Biodiversity: Strategic for Climate and Economy
Addressing scientists and officials, Dr Singh underscored that the biodiversity of tropical islands is not only vital for ecological conservation but also for:
Ocean-based economic growth
Disaster resilience and preparedness
Climate adaptation strategies
India’s Blue Economy vision
He stressed that authentic, evidence-based scientific data generated by institutions such as ZSI is crucial for shaping national policies on biodiversity conservation, marine ecosystem management, and climate resilience. According to him, strengthening scientific institutions ensures that development and conservation progress hand in hand.
ZSI’s Role in Evidence-Based Biodiversity Research
Dr Singh was welcomed by Dr C. Sivaperuman, Scientist-F and Officer-in-Charge of the Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre of ZSI. Dr Sivaperuman briefed him on the Centre’s mandate, ongoing research projects, and its pivotal role in documenting and monitoring the islands’ unique faunal diversity.
The Centre’s research spans:
Taxonomy and classification
Molecular systematics
DNA barcoding
Biodiversity assessment and monitoring
Capacity building and training programs
The Minister noted that these scientific efforts provide a robust foundation for informed policymaking and long-term conservation planning.
Five Decades of Scientific Service
Established in 1977, the Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre of ZSI has completed five decades of sustained scientific research and service. Over the years, it has emerged as a nodal institution for tropical island biodiversity studies.
Key achievements include:
Completion of nearly 90 research programmes across diverse faunal groups
Publication of 85 books
Publication of over 850 research papers in reputed national and international journals
These contributions have significantly enriched India’s biodiversity knowledge base and enhanced global understanding of fragile island ecosystems.
ZSI Museum: Education and Public Outreach
Dr Singh also visited the ZSI Museum, a prominent educational and tourist destination in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The museum houses approximately 3,500 specimens representing 22 faunal groups.
Officials informed the Minister that the museum attracts 75,000 to 1,00,000 visitors annually, including students, researchers, and tourists.
The Minister showed keen interest in:
Curated reference collections
Type specimens
Exhibits showcasing endemic, endangered, and threatened species of the archipelago
He praised the museum’s role in spreading awareness and fostering public interest in biodiversity conservation.
Discovery of New Species
Scientists at the ZSI Andaman & Nicobar Centre have:
Reported more than 20 species new to science, including the Narcondam Tree Shrew
Documented nearly 900 new faunal records from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India, and Southeast Asia
These discoveries highlight the global ecological importance of the region and the need for continued scientific exploration and protection.
National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI)
The Centre also serves as the nodal institution for India’s first National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI).
The NCRRI aims to:
Strengthen coral reef research
Monitor fragile marine ecosystems
Support evidence-based marine governance
Dr Singh emphasized that such specialized institutions are vital for safeguarding coral reefs and sustaining marine biodiversity in the face of climate change.
Integrating Science, Policy, and Community Engagement
Interacting with scientists and staff, Dr Singh stressed the importance of integrating scientific research with public policy, conservation planning, and community awareness.
He noted that strong scientific institutions are central to:
Achieving India’s environmental goals
Protecting fragile ecosystems
Realizing the full potential of the Blue Economy in a sustainable and inclusive manner
Minister’s Appreciation
Expressing his gratitude, Dr Singh thanked Dr C. Sivaperuman and the ZSI team for their comprehensive briefing and museum walkthrough. He described the visit as an “extremely informative and educative experience.”
The Minister remarked that well-curated zoological collections not only advance scientific understanding but also inspire public consciousness about India’s rich and irreplaceable biodiversity heritage.
