World Environment Day celebrated by CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar

By Our Correspondent

Bhubaneswar, June 5 : Today, on June 5th, 2024, the CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar celebrated World Environment Day as part of the JIGYASA program. The focus of the day centered around the theme of land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.

During the event, Shri. Sudhansu S Khora, IFS, RCCF, Angul, and Executive Director of the Forest & Environment section at Odisha Mining Corporation, honored the occasion as the chief guest. Accompanying him was Shri. Sanjay K. Bhar, Regional Director of CMPDI, Bhubaneswar, who attended as the guest of honor.

The event commenced with the planting of mango fruit-bearing trees at the Bose Einstein International Residence, CSIR-IMMT, led by Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar. Also present were Dr. N K Dhal, Head of the Environment & Sustainability Department, along with scientists, research scholars, and children from CSIR-IMMT.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, extended a warm welcome to all the guests and students from various schools. He emphasized the importance of environmental initiatives and highlighted the ongoing activities related to the environment on the CSIR-IMMT campus.

Shri Sanjay K Bhar discussed about mining (primarily coal mining) and associated environmental challenges. He highlighted the activities of eco-restoration post mining.

Shri Sudhanshu S Khora briefed about forests of Odisha and departmental program towards protection, restoration and management practices. He emphasised the role of research institutions contribution for the sustainable environment.

Dr. N K Dhal, Head, E & S spoke about the Environment & Sustainability department and its research work. On the occasion, Dr. D P Das, Jigyasa Nodal Scientist highlighted the role of scientific dissemination to school students and their importance of demonstration by the scientist to school children on electricity, electro chemistry, optics etc.

During the function, former scientist of Environment & Sustainability Department Dr. R N Kar and Dr. P Chattopadhyay were felicitated for their contribution towards environmental research at CSIR-IMMT.

Drawing competitions were organized to foster environmental awareness among school children up to the 10th standard. Additionally, a photography competition was held for staff, students, research scholars, and staff wards of CSIR-IMMT to further engage the community in environmental consciousness. The winners were honored with their prizes at the World Environment Day 2024 event, coordinated by Dr. Manish Kumar, Principal Scientist, and Er. R Sathish, Senior Scientist.