Barbil, May 5, 2025 (OT Webdesk)—On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, the Beat Plastic Pollution campaign was launched in Barbil with great enthusiasm.
The campaign was spearheaded by Native Voice, a prominent social organisation, with active participation from the civil society and the Barbil Municipality. Its primary objective was to make the Barbil Police Station premises plastic-free and raise awareness about environmental conservation.
Initiation and Public Participation :
Early in the morning, volunteers of Native Voice, Civil Society and employees and sanitary workers of the Barbil Municipality gathered at Atal Chowk to begin the campaign. This year’s World Environment Day theme, Ending Plastic Pollution, provided the foundation for this cleanup drive.
The campaign was formally approved by Barbil Police Station IIC Ashok Kumar Nayak, who not only permitted the initiative but also encouraged police personnel to actively participate in the drive.
Responding to the call for action, Municipal Inspector Kali Prasad Mahanta joined the campaign with his team. The police officers, municipal workers, social activists, and sanitation workers already present collaborated effectively to execute the cleanup drive.
On this occasion, Basanta Kumar Mahanta, a senior member of Native Voice, highlighted the dangers of plastic pollution and urged people to increase awareness and prioritise cleanliness.
Concrete Steps Towards Cleanliness :
During the campaign, plastic bottles and waste scattered across the Barbil Police Station premises were collected. With the support of sanitation workers, six to seven trays of waste were loaded onto municipal vehicles and sent to disposal centres.
Observations revealed that visitors frequently left plastic bottles on the premises, leading to an accumulation of waste. Addressing this concern, Municipal Sanitary Inspector Mahant announced the installation of waste bins and the implementation of a better waste management system.
Raising Awareness for a Cleaner Future :
IIC Ashok Kumar Nayak addressed the assembled crowd, emphasising the importance of cleanliness and the harmful effects of plastic pollution. He stated that the Barbil Police Station premises would not only remain plastic-free but also be developed as a people-friendly space, where citizens could approach the police without hesitation
Additionally, anti-plastic awareness posters would be displayed on the premises to reinforce the message.
Future Campaign Plans:
According to Native Voice member Bikas Das, World Environment Day will be officially celebrated on June 5, and this initiative will be extended to other locations in the city.
A Landmark in Environmental Protection :
This campaign has turned Barbil Police Station into a symbol of cleanliness and environmental conservation. The effort represents a significant step in the fight against plastic pollution, inspiring every citizen to take an active role in protecting the environment.
