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Hans India
4 days ago
- General
- Hans India
End plastic pollution, says Majhi
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday raised alarm over the escalating menace of plastic pollution in the State. While addressing the World Environment Day celebration in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said 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,' 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 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 sq km in forest cover, ranking fourth among all 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 said Similipal was recently designated as the 107th National Park by the Union government. Under 'Ama Similipal' scheme, the government has earmarked Rs 50 crore for enhanced protection of wildlife and biodiversity in the region. Meanwhile, speaking to mediapersons, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change department, said the State will soon introduce reverse vending machines (RVMs) for plastic waste collection in major urban centres. Sahu said 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,' said Sahu.
Hans India
5 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Odisha CM raises alarm over growing menace of plastic pollution
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday raised alarm over the escalating menace of plastic pollution in the state. 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.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Odisha's Similipal gets National Park status, becomes 107th in India
v zIn a huge conservation effort, the Odisha government has declared Similipal a National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. With this, Similipal has become India's 107th national park, located in Mayurbhanj district. The decision was announced recently, making Similipal also the largest in Odisha, covering an area of 845.70 sq km. The formal notification was issued by the Odisha Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, exercising powers under Section 35(4) of the Act. This designation follows earlier notifications dated August 6, 1980, and June 11, 1986, in which the state government had expressed its intention to grant Similipal national park status. Celebrating the announcement, the Chief Minister's Office posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a "landmark step towards Viksit Bharat, Viksit Odisha," highlighting its role in strengthening the state's ecological heritage, uplifting tribal communities, and reaffirming commitment to sustainable development. Similipal, which also hosts the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)—the largest tiger habitat in Odisha—comprises extensive forest areas from both the Similipal South and North Wildlife Divisions. Known for its rich biodiversity, the region is home to several endangered species including tigers, elephants, and unique flora. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Under the Wildlife Protection Act, a national park must be designated based on ecological, geomorphological, and natural significance. Such areas are to be entirely protected, free from human habitation and livestock grazing, ensuring a pristine environment for wildlife conservation. Prior to this declaration, Odisha had only one national park—Bhitarkanika, home to India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans. Bhitarkanika was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and later declared a national park in 1998. The recognition of Similipal as a national park is a significant milestone in India's conservation efforts. It aims to enhance biodiversity protection, preserve indigenous tribal heritage, and promote eco-tourism in the region. With this development, Odisha now joins other Indian states with multiple national parks, reinforcing its role in the country's broader ecological conservation narrative. About Similipal The park comprises dense sal forests, rolling meadows, waterfalls, and numerous rivers, offering a diverse ecological landscape. It includes parts of the Similipal North and South Wildlife Divisions and plays a vital role in preserving Eastern India's unique wildlife heritage. Beyond ecological value, Similipal holds cultural significance for indigenous tribes living in its buffer zones. With its national park status, the area now receives greater protection, helping conserve its fragile ecosystem and promote eco-tourism sustainably.
