Govt launches vehicle to promote rooftop gardening
The initiative, funded under the state plan scheme for innovative projects, is being implemented by the Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-IIHR), Bhubaneswar.
Addressing the gathering at Krushi Bhawan, Singh Deo, who holds the agriculture and farmers' empowerment portfolio, highlighted the rapid urbanisation in Odisha, which has led to a proliferation of concrete structures and a reduction in green spaces.
"This initiative aims to transform urban landscapes by encouraging rooftop and home gardening, thereby fostering a healthier and more sustainable urban environment," he said.
The campaign will target five major cities — Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Berhampur and Jeypore — by educating residents and institutions on innovative gardening technologies. The govt is committed to increasing urban greenery through parks, plantations, and now, rooftop gardens, to mitigate the urban heat island effect and promote sustainable urban living.
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The campaign vehicle, equipped with audio-visual educational materials in Odia and English, will traverse various urban zones in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack over the next month. It aims to engage residential communities, educational institutes and city-based organisations, offering demonstrations, distributing technical pamphlets and providing expert advice on rooftop and home gardening.
The initiative is part of a broader project funded by the department focusing on innovative technological interventions for urban horticulture. The campaign will also pave the way for future community engagement events, expert talks and annual rooftop gardening competitions.
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