BMC Celebrates Clean Air for Blue Skies 2023 in Collaboration with Odisha State Pollution Control Board

Bhubaneswar, September 8: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) joined hands with the Odisha State Pollution Control Board to mark the global celebration of "Clean Air for Blue Skies" 2023. This significant event highlighted the pressing need to address air quality issues and their profound impact on both the environment and public health.

To commemorate this vital occasion, BMC organized a range of activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices within the community. The festivities included an invigorating awareness walkathon, extensive tree plantation drives across various schools in the city, mass cleaning efforts, free transportation via electric buses (E-buses) within BMC's jurisdiction, as well as engaging drawing and general knowledge competitions for students.

Clean Air for Blue Skies 2023 underscores the urgency of reducing air pollution, encouraging eco-friendly practices, and combatting the adverse effects of climate change. Governments, communities, and individuals worldwide have been urged to prioritize clean air initiatives to ensure a healthier, more sustainable future. BMC's initiatives align with this global objective.

The tree plantation program witnessed the participation of esteemed dignitaries, including SSEPD Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, Mayor Sulochana Das, Jatni MLA Suresh Routray, MLA (Bhubaneswar North) Susant Raut, BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange, Chairman of the Standing Committee Biranchi Narayana Mahasupakara, local Corporators, and Secretary of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, K. Mrugasen. This collective effort aimed to enhance green cover and reduce pollution.

Following the plantation drive, an inspiring awareness campaign in the form of a walkathon took place, with a significant turnout. The walkathon, led by Mayor Sulochana Das, commenced at Mausima Temple and concluded at Lingaraj Temple. She encouraged participants to integrate awareness activities into their daily lives, emphasizing the use of electric vehicles and increased plantation to prevent pollution issues like those faced by Delhi from arising in Bhubaneswar.

Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange stressed the importance of refraining from waste burning, opting for gas stoves over coal stoves, and utilizing available spaces near homes for plantation, all to ensure Bhubaneswar remains below the pollution threshold and maintains a high quality of life.

Minister Ashok Chandra Panda highlighted the various sources of pollution, including transportation, industries, factories, agriculture, and construction waste burning. He urged citizens to be vigilant and engage in extensive tree planting activities, while also acknowledging the state government's continuous efforts in this regard.

Additionally, mass cleaning efforts took place at various locations, including Sainik School and Unit 3. The City Forest Department contributed by providing saplings to numerous schools in an effort to expand the city's green cover.

In the afternoon, a productive meeting convened at BMC headquarters, chaired by Mayor Sulochana Das. The event recognized the winners of several competitions. In the General Knowledge competition, Kalyani Priyadarshani Swain, Isita Pati, and Sumit P Priyadarshi secured the first, second, and third prizes, respectively. In the Drawing competition, Suraksha Routray, Smrutirekha Mallik, and Shrabana Kumar Sahu clinched the top three positions. Special awards were given to individuals and organizations who contributed significantly to environmental sustainability.

BMC's robust celebration of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2023 demonstrates its commitment to fostering a cleaner, greener, and healthier Bhubaneswar while encouraging residents to actively participate in preserving the environment for future generations.