In Berhampur, Sudhir Raut of Greenman of Odisha has launched the ‘Jalasaya Parikrama’ campaign, raising awareness about the alarming decline of ponds in the city. On World Environment Day, he called on the community to protect and preserve these vital water bodies from pollution.

During his visit to various ponds, Raut urged residents to refrain from disposing of puja leftovers, flowers, old deity photographs, plastic bottles, household waste, and milk into the ponds. He emphasized that such actions diminish oxygen levels in the water, contaminate aquatic ecosystems, and ultimately make the ponds unusable.

Accompanied by supporters, Raut toured several ponds to educate local residents on the importance of maintaining cleanliness. He noted that many ponds are in critical condition, with water quality deteriorating to the point of being unfit for human use.

‘Ponds once served as lifelines of communities, providing water, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance. Unfortunately, many have now turned into dumping grounds for garbage, sewage, and plastic waste,’ he stated.

Raut highlighted the environmental importance of ponds, which play a vital role in groundwater recharge, flood control, temperature regulation, and supporting local flora and fauna. Their degradation poses a significant threat to biodiversity and long-term water security.

The ‘Jalasaya Parikrama’ campaign aims to foster community involvement in cleaning water bodies, preventing pollution, and conserving aquatic ecosystems, especially as climate change and rapid urbanization exert increasing pressure on natural water resources.

Raut underscored the necessity for collective action, asserting that protecting ponds today is crucial for ensuring a healthier environment and a secure water future for future generations. The initiative seeks to motivate citizens to care for local water bodies and restore them to their ecological prominence.