Bhubaneswar: A powerful display of environmental commitment unfolded across Astaranga and Talapada as students, communities, and organisations Saturday came together to promote mangrove restoration and climate resilience.
At Astaranga Government High School, the Odisha Paryavaran Sanrakshana Abhiyan Trust coordinated a mass oath-taking ceremony involving 9,135 students from 131 schools.
The initiative aimed to instil ecological responsibility and create awareness about the vital role of mangroves in protecting coastal zones.
The event also saw the launch of a scientific FishBone Technique-based mangrove restoration drive under the Trust’s “Million Mangroves by 2030” mission.
“We’re empowering the next generation to lead the charge in restoring our environment,” said an OPSA official.
The event was supported by Orissa POST and Dharitri, which helped amplify the message across the state.
Simultaneously, Talapada in Balasore witnessed a celebration at the Jamuka River Mouth, marking one year of a grassroots mangrove restoration initiative led by Eco Walk, in collaboration with the Reliance Foundation, ROSIA, and local residents.
The effort has restored over 6,000 native mangrove saplings, turning the site into a model of community-driven ecological revival.
“This is not just about planting trees, it’s about rebuilding natural barriers and empowering communities,” said Jalendra Mohalik, founder of Eco Walk.
OUAT’s Umashankar Nayak highlighted mangroves as “nature’s frontline defence against coastal threats,” while Dibyakanta Nayak of Reliance Foundation added, “Mangroves are vital for biodiversity and local livelihoods.”
Key attendees included Harendra Malik (Sarpanch), Mohit Choudhary (Reliance Foundation), Swastik Dey, and Sashmita Majhi (ROHF).
PNN