The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, celebrated World Environment Day 2026 with a vibrant series of scientific outreach programmes, sustainability initiatives and community engagement activities at its campus in Vasco, Goa.
The celebrations highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship, climate action and sustainable living while showcasing NCPOR’s pioneering work in polar and ocean sciences.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. M. K. Janarthanam, Chairman, Goa State Research Foundation (GSRF), who delivered the keynote address on “Environment and Sustainability.” He emphasized the need to protect biodiversity and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collective action and environmental responsibility.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR, underscored the critical role of polar research in understanding climate change and strengthening India’s environmental resilience. He highlighted the importance of science, innovation and public participation in addressing global environmental challenges.
A special lecture by Prof. Naresh Chandra Pant (Retd.), University of Delhi and Consultant, NCPOR, focused on the need for a revised geoscientific perspective for sustainable development, emphasizing evidence-based policymaking and responsible resource management.
One of the major attractions of the event was the immersive Science on a Sphere session, which enabled participants to explore Earth’s oceans, atmosphere, climate systems and polar regions through dynamic visualizations, enhancing public understanding of global environmental processes.
As part of the celebrations, NCPOR organised the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, inspired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission LiFE initiative. The plantation drive began with Dr. Thamban Meloth planting the first sapling and concluded with the planting of over 100 saplings by scientists, students, staff members and guests.
The event brought together nearly 100 participants from 35 organisations across Goa, alongside more than 300 NCPOR scientists, staff members, students and members of the public.
