On the occasion of the World Environment Day, the Forest Department in Sambalpur launched a ‘Green Mahanadi Mission’ (GMM) to keep the river clean and its embankments green.
Since, the Mahanadi is facing threats for sheer political reasons, a lot of people including local MlA Dr Raseswari Panigrahi and officials of the district administration attended the meet and put forth their opinions on the mission.
The meeting was organised near the Samaleswari temple on the river ghat.
“There is also plantation programme on one kilometer width in both sides of the river till Paradip to maintain the greenery and also prevent soil erosion,” informed DFO of Sambalpur Dr Sujeet Kumar. All other related Government departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Soil conservation etc and even private land owners, almost agreed to contribute for the noble cause,” Dr Kumar informed.
“Besides adding scenic beauty, it will also add life to the river since plants are of immense value anywhere and everywhere,” the DFO added.
Plantation and cleanness of the river and its water apart, the department is going to take up a number of other eco-friendly activities for protection of environment and enhancing to the glory of the river.
A signature campaign –‘I love Mahanadi’— was also organised by the forest authorities to create awareness.
“This will develop a ‘strong bonding’ of the people with the river,” the authorities claimed.
Interestingly, the Forest department welcomed the guests by presenting medicinal plants to each instead of traditional flower bouquet.
All the guests while appreciating the initiative of the department stressed on the need for reducing plastic pollution and save the mother earth. Chief guest Dr Panigrahi awarded Rs 5,000 each to three Prakruti Bandhus for their outstanding contribution for conserving nature in the last few years.