Citizen Awareness Key to Environmental Protection in Odisha
By Barada Das
Bhubaneswar, Aug 31: Environmental protection cannot be achieved through government policies alone; active public participation and greater awareness among citizens are equally essential, experts observed at the 160th webinar of the Thinkers’ Club, held in its sixth year.
The webinar, titled “Environmental Protection Measures in Odisha and Consciousness of the Citizens,” was jointly organised by the Thinkers’ Club and Kalinga IAS Academy, Bhubaneswar. Intellectuals, civil service aspirants, students and members of the public joined the programme through Zoom and YouTube.
Initiating the discussion, Kalinga IAS Academy Director Deepak Rout highlighted the growing importance of environmental issues. He said civil service aspirants must develop a clear understanding of environmental challenges, as the subject has become increasingly relevant in competitive examinations and interviews for senior administrative positions.
Veteran environmentalist and columnist Dr Jayakrishna Panigrahi, the chief speaker, delivered an extensive address on major environmental concerns affecting Odisha and the country. He discussed the precautions required to protect natural resources and reviewed various measures undertaken by the State and Central governments.
Dr Panigrahi stressed that environmental education should be included more effectively in the high-school curriculum. Creating awareness among children, he said, would help build a generation that is more responsible towards nature, conservation and sustainable development.
Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Bijay Ketan Pattanaik expressed serious concern over vehicular pollution, describing automobile exhaust as a major global environmental and public-health threat. He said the time had come to gradually phase out internal-combustion-engine vehicles and promote cleaner, battery-operated alternatives.
Pattanaik also urged citizens to reduce their unnecessary dependence on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. People should walk for short journeys and use bicycles for slightly longer distances wherever feasible, he suggested. He further emphasised the need for scientific and humane population-management policies, taking into account global experiences and long-term social consequences.
The webinar was moderated by Thinkers’ Club President Advocate Barada Prasanna Das. He said environmental consciousness among citizens was crucial at a time when pollution, climate change and ecological degradation posed grave challenges.
Das called for the proper functioning of Eco Clubs in every school to engage students in plantation, waste management, water conservation and other environmental activities. He also proposed the establishment of active environmental societies at the district and State levels.
Shubhalaxmi Priya Darshini, Dilip Choudhury, Umasankar Misra, Deepak Rout and students of Kalinga IAS Academy participated in the question-and-answer session. The experts addressed their questions concerning various environmental problems and possible remedies.
Dr Chidamtika Khatua shared her observations on the issues discussed and expressed satisfaction over the deliberations. She offered the vote of thanks to the speakers, participants, Club members and the technical team associated with the webinar.
Before concluding the programme, Das announced that the Club’s next webinar would be held on August 30. It will focus on the country’s present situation, the obstacles hindering its progress and possible measures to overcome them. Retired Professor Dr Surya Narayan Mishra and former senior bureaucrat Bibek Pattanaik will be the principal speakers. Students, intellectuals and interested citizens have been invited to participate and share their views.
