The biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is critical to India’s environmental sustainability, climate resilience and long term economic security, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh said during his visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India at Sri Vijaya Puram.
Addressing scientists and officials, the minister described the island chain as a living laboratory of biodiversity, where advanced scientific research must work in harmony with conservation and sustainable livelihoods. He underlined that authentic scientific data generated by institutions such as the Zoological Survey of India plays a vital role in shaping national policies related to biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and ocean based economic growth.
During the visit, the minister was briefed on the mandate and ongoing research programmes of the regional centre, which has been at the forefront of documenting, conserving and monitoring the unique faunal diversity of the islands. The centre’s work spans taxonomy, molecular systematics, DNA barcoding, biodiversity assessment and capacity building, contributing significantly to India’s scientific knowledge base.
Established in 1977, the Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India has completed five decades of continuous scientific service. Over the years, it has emerged as a nodal institution for tropical island biodiversity research, completing nearly 90 research programmes across multiple faunal groups. Scientists from the centre have published 85 books and more than 850 research papers in reputed national and international journals.
The minister also visited the Zoological Survey of India Museum, one of the prominent educational and tourist attractions in the islands. The museum houses around 3,500 specimens representing 22 faunal groups and plays a key role in public outreach and awareness. With an annual footfall ranging from 75,000 to 1,00,000 visitors, including students, researchers and tourists, the museum serves as an important bridge between science and society. The minister took keen interest in the reference collections, type specimens and exhibits showcasing endemic, endangered and threatened species of the archipelago.
Scientists of the regional centre have reported more than 20 species new to science, including the Narcondam Tree Shrew, and documented nearly 900 new faunal records from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India and Southeast Asia. These findings highlight the global ecological significance of the islands.
The minister was also briefed on the role of the Zoological Survey of India at Port Blair as the nodal centre for India’s first National Coral Reef Research Institute, which focuses on strengthening coral reef research and monitoring in Indian waters. He noted that such specialised institutions are essential for protecting fragile marine ecosystems and supporting evidence based marine governance.
Interacting with scientists and staff, the minister stressed the need for stronger integration of scientific research with public policy, conservation planning and community awareness. He said robust scientific institutions are central to achieving India’s environmental objectives and realising the full potential of the Blue Economy in a sustainable manner.
Expressing appreciation for the work carried out at the centre, the minister described the visit as an informative and educative experience, and said that well curated zoological collections not only advance scientific understanding but also inspire public consciousness about India’s rich and irreplaceable biodiversity.
