Bhubaneswar, June 5 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday urged the people to resolve to end plastic pollution and maintain a healthy, clean environment.
“Today, let us pledge to eliminate plastic pollution and create a healthier, cleaner environment for our citizens,” Majhi said while addressing the state-level World Environment Day event.
He noted that plastic has become an integral part of our lives, especially single-use plastics. Stressing that plastic waste must be addressed through a mass movement, the Chief Minister said the excessive use of plastic has created three major problems: climate change, erosion and pollution of land, water, and biodiversity, and the growing garbage crisis.
He stated that the state government has taken proactive steps to ban single-use plastics, promote durable alternatives, and strengthen waste management systems.
“To bring about real change in society, it must start with ourselves and our families,” Majhi emphasised.
Realising the grave consequences of a polluted world, he underscored the need to create a greener environment and preserve nature. He announced that the state government will plant 7.5 crore trees in a year.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government has already made significant progress, planting more than 6.5 crore trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
The Odisha government has also launched the State Clean Air Programme to reduce air pollution in densely populated urban areas and improve overall air quality.
Majhi claimed that after the BJP government assumed power in the state, forest and tree cover have increased by about 560 square kilometers – the fourth highest gain among all states.
On Similipal being officially recognised as the 107th National Park by the Government of India, the Chief Minister said the state government has launched the ‘Aam Similipal’ initiative with an expenditure of Rs 50 crore to conserve and protect wildlife and plant life.
Majhi also congratulated the 185 Prakriti Mitra and 211 Prakriti Duta awardees from various districts for their outstanding work in environmental protection and conservation.
He also extended his congratulations to all participants and winners of the state-wide eco-model exhibition on “Ending Plastic Pollution”, as well as to the schools and teachers who received the Best Eco-Club Award for their dedication and commitment.
