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Bhubaneswar, June 5:City hosted a plethora of events Monday to observe the World Environment Day. ‘Connecting people to nature’ is the theme for this year. Around 217 green crusaders were awarded for their contributions towards the protection of environment at an event organised by the Forest and Environment Department at Rabindra Mandap. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik was the chief guest. “The rural population around the world spends every working day by connecting to nature’. They appreciate the dependence on natural resources and the manner, in which nature provides for their livelihoods. On the contrary, they are among the first to suffer when ecosystems
are threatened—whether by pollution, climate change or over-exploitation,” he added. Speaking about this year’s theme, he said, “The theme invites people to think about as to how they are part of nature, and how intimately they depend on it. It challenges people to find fun and exciting ways to experience and cherish this vital relationship.” Forest and Environment minister, Bijayshree Routray, urged everyone to contribute their bit towards the protection of the environment. “Now, it is time that we should try to give back nature what we have taken from it. Large scale plantation is very important,” Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, secretary forest and environment department said.
Another programme was organised by a non-profit organisation, in association with State Pollution Control Board. Participants discussed on the topic—‘youth for green and clean India’ at the event. Sapana Pati was felicitated for her contributions towards safeguarding the environment. She was given the ‘green queen of the year’ award. “This year’s theme is connecting people with nature. So, it is the responsibility of every individual to protect our environment,” said Dillip Srichandan, president of the non-profit organisation. Another organisation launched an initiative titled as the ‘GreenBiz Pledge’ to create awareness among institutions and business houses on the importance of having an ecofriendly work space. The event was held at Master Canteen area. “The increasing use of plastic has made things worse. This noble step has been taken to make our society plastic waste-free—starting from our own workplaces,” said one of the participants. The event was attended by social activists, entrepreneurs, film and sports celebrities and eminent personalities
CITY ‘CONNECTS’ WITH NATURE ON ENVIRONMENT DAY
