Bhubaneswar, June 5: Youths here pledged to work towards making a greener planet on the occasion of World Environment Day today.
From planting saplings to discussing ways to control pollution, the day was observed with much enthusiasm across the city.
Following the United Nations Environment Programme's concept for this year - Seven billion dreams. One Planet. Consume with care - the state government, too, observed the day in a big way.
The forest and environment department organised a programme at Rabindra Mandap where, apart from awarding 238 organisations and institutions that have worked to make the environment greener, individuals and schoolchildren, who had prepared eco-models at a state-level exhibition conducted by the state government, were also felicitated.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) took out a special procession where three vehicles designed like raths (chariots) rolled out carrying messages on ways to make the city greener. Deputy mayor K. Santi also planted a tree on the corporation premises.
Many private organisations hosted workshops and tree planting ceremonies. Youth for Environment celebrated the day with students and youths of the city.
Children spoke on the need to protect the environment, climate change and also about role of the youths in making the earth a healthier place to live in.
"If each one of us do our bit, we can bring positive changes in the world. Simple things like switching off lights and fans when not needed, stop burning plastic materials and reusing polythene and even electronic items can be extremely helpful in the long run," said Priyanka, a participant at the event that was hosted at Centre for Youth and Social Development in the city.
Many youngsters joined in a tree plantation ceremony called Green Fest hosted by city-based organisation Prerna, in association with Odisha State Pollution Control Board.
The first tree was planted by governor S.C. Jamir.
"We planted neem trees and we have pledged to keep coming back to ensure that they grow well. Of course, this should not be a one-day event. Saving the environment should top our priority list," said Shyam Thyadi, a college student.
The East Coast Railway hosted a children's painting competition on the occasion and many kids portrayed their feelings on canvas.
A Class-IX student of DAV Chandrasekharpur, Satabdi Debadulari, was presented the National Young Environmentalist Award by the Ministry of environment, forest and climate change in New Delhi today.
"I'm happy to receive the award. I hope I can help create awareness among people about the little steps everyone can take to make the environment better," she said.
