The Orissa Environmental Society (OES), which has been working for protection of the State’s nature and environment and conservation of natural resources since 1982, organised its foundation day and award distribution ceremonies here on Sunday.
The programme held under chairmanship of OES president Prof Sundar Narayana Patro was graced by Forest and Environment ACS Suresh Chandra Mohapatra as chief guest. PCCF Dr Debabrata Swain attending as chief guest delivered the Prasanna Dash Memorial Lecture.
Mohapatra highlighted steps being taken by the State Government for protection of environment and conservation of wildlife. He said everyone should give priority on protection of environment.
Remembering former OES president and former Speaker in State Assembly Prasanna Kumar Dash, the PCCF highlighted dangerous impacts of environmental degradation. “Man-animal conflict has reached dangerous level. To resolve it, we should change our mindset and take very positive steps,” he said.
At the outset, OES vice-president Dr Lala AK Singh delivered the welcome address and secretary Dr Jayakrushan Panigrahi red out a report on OES’s activities and achievements.
In his address, the president requested all guests to implement the OES’ proposal to declare the Mahendragiri mountain range as the State’s ‘second biosphere’.
On the occasion, former Joint Director of CRRI Dr Jafran Keshari Ray was conferred with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ and Prof Suryamani Behera was given ‘Dr BC Panda Environment and Science Promotion’ award.
Similarly, Dr B Sitaram Patra, Dr BM Farooq, Prof Shailabala Padhee, Dr Chittaranjan Mishra and Dr Lala AK Singh were felicitated with OES Fellowship awards.
The OES annual report and a book written by Dr Suryamani Behera were released.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by OES joint secretary Er Prakash Chandra Jena.