Army to undertake environmental expedition to Lakshadweep

Thiruvananthapuram, March 20 (IANS) Soldiers of the Indian Army will start a six-week programme in Lakshadweep Sunday to spread awareness about the dangers posed to the ecology of the islands.

'This is being held for providing adventure to the men of the elite Bison Division, who would also be addressing a major environmental concern, the endangered coral reefs in the area,' a statement said Friday.

Over 100 soldiers are expected to participate in the events like para motoring, scuba diving, powered rafting and beach running and interact with the locals of the Lakshadweep archipelago, about 400 km from Kerala coast.

The expedition will spread awareness about the Indian Army and the need for the preservation of the fragile ecology.

The Bison Blue Waters Expedition will be flagged off by Major General Rajesh Singh, General Officer Commanding Bison Division, Sunday at Agatti in Lakshadweep islands.

Representatives from the World Wide Fund for Nature (India) and National Geographic will also be in the expedition.