Bengaluru teen spearheads marine habitat restoration off Pondicherry coast, blending passion for scuba with hands-on conservation

As the planet’s oceans face mounting threats from pollution and habitat destruction, a young diver from Bengaluru is showing how individual action can ripple into lasting impact. Maanya, a Grade 11 student from Canadian International School (CIS), has led an ambitious underwater habitat restoration initiative off the coast of Pondicherry, combining her love for scuba diving with a deep commitment to marine conservation.

An experienced diver since 2018, Maanya recently completed the second phase of her conservation project, working with a professional diving organisation to clean sections of the Eastern Coast and rebuild underwater ecosystems. Battling strong currents and using specialised tools underwater, she earned two new PADI certifications that enabled her to engage in advanced marine restoration techniques.

In her most recent dive, Maanya constructed a fish habitat using interwoven palm fronds – a technique designed to offer shelter to marine life and serve as a base for aquatic plant growth. “With diving, two-thirds of the world opened up to me. It changed how I see the planet,” she said. “Marine conservation was a natural transition and I look forward to continuously certifying and making a difference, one dive at a time.”

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Shweta Sastri, Managing Director at Cis, said, “Sustainability and improving the quality of life for all living things is a priority at Cis. Maanya’s determination to revive marine ecosystems despite the challenges underwater is inspiring. She is a voice for positive change — even when her beneficiaries didn’t have a voice.”

Maanya’s work highlights the urgent need to protect ocean habitats and brings attention to the impact of human waste on marine biodiversity. Through experiential learning and real-world engagement, Cis continues to nurture environmentally conscious global citizens ready to tackle the planet’s most pressing challenges — above and below sea level.