Bhubaneswar: World Forestry Day is celebrated in the state on 21st March this year
at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. The Minister, Forest & Environment, Govt of Odisha, Sri Bijayshree Routray graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Additional Chief Secretary to Govt of Odisha, Forest & Environment Department Sri Suresh Chandra Mohapatra was also present as Guest of Hounour. In addition, various dignitaries including retired Forest Officials and intellectuals, the common people and the media also attended the function. An exhibition was also organised concurrently by the Forest Department.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Odisha Sri S. C. Mishra welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries present on the occasion. He highlighted some perspective about the current objectives of World Forestry Day. It is worthwhile to know that the current year’s theme of World Forestry Day is ‘Forests and Sustainable Cities” as decided by F.A.O.(UN).
Minister Sri Routray talked about the role played by forests in keeping the cities sustainable and providing innumerable benefits in creating job opportunities in urban areas and mitigating climate change. Moreover, the Minister focused on the successful implementation of the newly added scheme of the Government named as Preservation of Sacred Groves in which 2161 number of identified sites of Sacred Groves have been preserved and developed. Finally, the minister also talked about the Green Mahanadi
Mission which aimed at rejuvenating the river systems and making them perennial. He inspired the people to always give in their best towards creation and conservation of urban forests in order to get a perpetual supply of benefits.
Finally, the ACS Sri Mohapatra highlighted the successful implementation of various afforestation schemes. Furthermore, he also mentioned about various other newer initiatives taken up by the State Government like a scheme of 6 years namely Ama Jangal Yojana. In this programme, a total of about 7000 VSSs are to be involved phase wise for
restoration of degraded forests in the state. He also lauded the sincere efforts of the State Government in filling up the vacant posts of Forest Guards, Forest Rangers and ACFs. Further, he encouraged the local community to participate in forest conservation for better eco tourism promotion in the state. ACCF Sri Satyanarayan gave vote of thanks on this occasion.
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