The 70th Van Mahotsav was observed at the Bhima Bhoi Medical College here on Sunday.
Attending at chief guest, local MLA Narasingha Mishra called upon the people to preserve and protect forests, besides planting of local fruit bearing trees like Jamun, neem and others to reap maximum benefits. It is the Pipal trees which provides 24-hour oxygen, Mishra opined.
ACF BC Roul, DFO Sameer Satpathy and in-charge Principal of Bhima Bhoi Medical College Manasi Panda also stressed on plantations.
MLA Mishra planted a tree in the campus of the college along with the students. Among others, Balangir Range Officer BK Khuntia and team leader of Aam Jungle Yojana Subrat Kumar Sahu were present.