- State-level World Environment Day-2023 program
- ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ campaign is ‘Solution to Plastic Pollution’
- Actions to tackle climate change is the need of the hour
- 2% electric vehicle mobility by 2025: Minister
Bhubaneswar: Since 2018, steps have been taken to stop single-use plastics in the state. Banning the use of plastic is being done along with extensive tree plantation. Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik said that the work done by the State Pollution Control Board and Center for Environmental Studies, Eco Clubs in schools and local groups to remove single-use plastics is commendable.
State-level World Environment Day-2023 program was held today at Lok Seva Bhawan. Through a video message, Chief Minister said that this year’s theme under the ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ campaign is ‘Solution to Plastic Pollution’. It is the call of the hour to act to tackle environmental issues. This year’s theme calls on everyone to make changes in their daily lives to reduce the impact of plastic pollution. Its adverse effects on health, the economy and the environment cannot be underestimated. To mitigate the effects of climate change, the state government has launched the second state Climate Change Action Plan which reiterates the clean and green state commitment.
The Chief Minister has called for measures to be taken at all levels to control plastic pollution and to be determined not to use single-use plastic and protect the environment.
State Forest and Environment Minister Pradeep Amat said that pollution can be prevented only through widespread awareness and alternative use. To reduce vehicular pollution, the state’s EV policy has been formulated with a target of 2 per cent electric vehicle mobility by 2025. He further added that the state government is providing enhanced concessions too.
Departmental Additional Chief Administrative Secretary Satyabrata Sahu said Plastic is harmful to the earth. To reduce its consumption paper, glass or environmentally friendly materials should be used. He also added that the State government is emphasizing extensive afforestation along with the use of plastic in road construction or cement factories. Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Chairman Siddhant Das was present among others. Many natural activists were awarded in the program. Students were awarded model exhibition prizes.
Eco Club Annual Report, Mission Life Booklet published by Center for Environmental Studies, Fungi of Odisha and other books were launched on this occasion. Director (Environment) K. Murugesan gave the vote of thanks while Principal Conservator of Forests Devidatta Biswal delivered the welcome address.
