Odisha CM raises alarm over growing menace of plastic pollution
While addressing the World Environment Day celebration in Bhubaneswar, CM Majhi stated that the unbridled use of plastic poses a triple threat- climate change, loss of biodiversity, and affects the ecosystems with pollution and waste.
He called for a mass movement to eliminate plastic use from everyday life.
On tackling pollution, the Chief Minister underlined the state's firm stance against single-use plastic.
"We've banned single-use plastic and are actively promoting long-term sustainable alternatives. Waste management systems are being strengthened to ensure a cleaner and greener future," CM Majhi added.
He also highlighted that the state government has launched the Clean Air Programme to reduce air pollution in densely populated urban areas and improve overall air quality.
The Chief Minister also announced that the Odisha government will undertake the plantation of 7.5 crore trees this year as part of its aggressive green initiative.
He noted that Odisha has seen a net increase of 560 square kilometres in forest cover, ranking fourth among all Indian states.
"This achievement is a testament to our collective effort. Through the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, we've already planted over 6 crore saplings," he said.
The Chief Minister stated that Similipal was recently designated as the 107th National Park by the Union Government.
Under the 'Ama Similipal' scheme, the government has earmarked Rs 50 crore for enhanced protection of wildlife and biodiversity in the region.
Meanwhile, speaking to media persons, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, informed that the state will soon introduce Reverse vending machines (RVMs) for plastic waste collection in major urban centres.
Sahu stated that seven cities across Odisha will also see the launch of a new Clean City Pilot Programme to intensify urban sanitation and waste segregation.
He also stressed that single-use plastic continues to be a serious threat, and enforcement will be strengthened to strictly regulate its usage, especially during mass gatherings, picnics, and tourist seasons.
"Plastic pollution is silently choking our environment. We urge citizens, institutions, and vendors to shift to eco-friendly alternatives. Enforcement will be tighter this year," warned Sahu.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Navy, officials honour Kargil heroes in Visakhapatnam
1 2 3 4 Visakhapatnam: On the solemn occasion of 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas (July 26), which marks the success of Indian armed forces in ousting Pakistan intruders from the mountains in Kargil, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Indian Navy conducted a Wreath Laying ceremony on Saturday at Victory at Sea War Memorial, RK Beach, in Visakhapatnam. Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, director general Naval Project Vizag, senior dignitaries from sister services and civil administration and veterans laid wreaths in honour of Operation Vijay heroes. Wreaths were also placed by Vizag district collector M N Harendhira Prasad, Vizag city police chief Dr Shanka Brata Bagchi and a few other officers. In addition, Naval Station Bheemunipatnam commemorated Kargil Vijay Diwas with a blood donation camp at the station on Saturday in partnership with NTR Trust, Visakhapatnam. The event saw blood donation by more than 100 personnel from the Station. Kargil Vijay Diwas is commemorated on July 26 every year as a saga of gallantry and valour of a battle fought in the most inhospitable terrain in the World in the area of Kargil-Drass Sector of Ladakh. On this day the Indian Armed Force braving most difficult terrain, battling extreme weather conditions fought valiantly on the steep slopes of icy peaks with grit and valour thus defeating the evil designs of the enemy and throwing the intruders out from Indian Soil. The day commemorates our victory in Operation Vijay, which was a significant military victory over Pakistan during the Kargil War . Visakhapatnam: On the solemn occasion of 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas (July 26), which marks the success of Indian armed forces in ousting Pakistan intruders from the mountains in Kargil, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Indian Navy conducted a Wreath Laying ceremony on Saturday at Victory at Sea War Memorial, RK Beach, in Visakhapatnam. Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, director general Naval Project Vizag, senior dignitaries from sister services and civil administration and veterans laid wreaths in honour of Operation Vijay heroes. Wreaths were also placed by Vizag district collector M N Harendhira Prasad, Vizag city police chief Dr Shanka Brata Bagchi and a few other officers. In addition, Naval Station Bheemunipatnam commemorated Kargil Vijay Diwas with a blood donation camp at the station on Saturday in partnership with NTR Trust, Visakhapatnam. The event saw blood donation by more than 100 personnel from the Station. Kargil Vijay Diwas is commemorated on July 26 every year as a saga of gallantry and valour of a battle fought in the most inhospitable terrain in the World in the area of Kargil-Drass Sector of Ladakh. On this day the Indian Armed Force braving most difficult terrain, battling extreme weather conditions fought valiantly on the steep slopes of icy peaks with grit and valour thus defeating the evil designs of the enemy and throwing the intruders out from Indian Soil. The day commemorates our victory in Operation Vijay, which was a significant military victory over Pakistan during the Kargil War.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
T. Nagar centre of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is back after a lull
Residents of T. Nagar and surrounding areas need not travel to Mylapore any more to avail courses offered by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The 'revitalised' T. Nagar centre of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is fully operational now. After a gap of a year, the centre will begin offering various classes from August 1 onwards. The centre in was started in 1998 and is smaller when compared with the one in Mylapore, yet it offered various programmes to benefit a cross-section of people. Since the pandemic, the centre was maintaining a low profile as many senior citizens and young adults got used to the comfort of attending classes online. K. Venkitachalam, deputy director, BVB, says the courses run at the centre was never discontinued but it did see a lull and now they are back in full swing. People have had enough of online classes and we see a requirement for in-person classes. 'We want to mirror all that the Mylapore centre offers at but gradually,' says the deputy director. Twenty-one courses are offered in the Mylapore centre with more than 600 students availing them. The free computer classes offered for senior citizens and young adults are a big hit at both the centres. Bhavan's is dedicated to the promotion of Indian education, arts and culture including Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Music, Mridangam, Flute, Violin, Veena, Keyboard, Bhajan, Sloka, Devotional/Choral Music, Drawing, Yoga and other traditional art forms It also offers free job-oriented computer courses like MS-Office with Tally and DTP. These courses have helped many educated students in the age group of 18 to 35 secure employment, said a release. Senior citizens can enrol to learn Microsoft Word, Excel and Internet courses free of cost. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is at old no: 35, new No:12, Thanikachalam Road, T. Nagar. Call: 9884335700.
Hans India
3 hours ago
- Hans India
Educators Honoured at ‘Prerana Diwas 2025' in Moodbidri
Moodbidri: The Adhyapaka Bhushana Awards Ceremony – Prerana Diwas 2025, hosted by the Karnataka Rajya Mahavidyalaya Shikshak Sangh (Mangaluru Division), was held at Alva's V.S. Acharya Auditorium in Moodbidri on Saturday, recognising outstanding educators and academic leaders from across the region. Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who felicitated the awardees, underscored the vital role of teachers in nation-building. 'Teachers are torchbearers of knowledge and values. Like a lamp that dispels darkness, educators guide generations toward enlightenment,' he said, recalling the contributions of Chanakya and Dr S. Radhakrishnan. He called for a value-based, student-centric education system that blends technological progress with ethical foundations. In his keynote address, Hosa Digantha CEO Prakash P.S. emphasised the cultural core of Indian education and urged for greater introspection on whether the current system upholds values like truth, discipline, and non-violence. Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred on Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and Dr Ananthakrishna Bhat, founder of the Saraswati Group of Institutions, Meghalaya, for their service to education and public life. The ceremony also honoured educators in various categories: Best Academic Administrators: Dr Kurian (Alva's College), Dr Premalatha V. (Canara College) Best Researchers: Prof. Harish Joshi (MAHE), Dr Shantharam Rai C. (A.J. Institute) Best Teachers: Dr Subhashini Srivatsa (Mangalore University), Dr Rajendra P. (Ajjarkad College) Best Librarians: Prof. Vijayalatha (Madikeri), Yashodha (Kaup) Best Physical Education Teachers: Dr Radhakrishna (Belthangady), Tammayya (Virajpet) Research scholars awarded Ph.D.s in 2025 were also felicitated. MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MLA Umanath Kotian, Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Dr P.L. Dharma, and Alva's Foundation Chair Dr M. Mohan Alva were among the dignitaries present.
