Bhubaneswar: In an effort to promote air quality awareness, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) held a city-level meeting, a tree planting initiative, and a rally near the Hatiasuni Resource Centre on Sunday, in alignment with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)-2026 Week.
Key figures at the event included BMC Mayor Sulochana Das, Deputy Mayor Manjulata Kanhar, BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana, and members of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board such as Member Secretary Manoj V Nair. Olympian and BMC ambassador Anuradha Biswal, along with Additional Commissioner Subhendu Kumar Sahu, Environment Standing Committee Chairman Biranchi Narayan Mahasupakar, and Slum Settlement Standing Committee Chairperson Mahamaya Swain, were also present, along with numerous corporators.
Hundreds of students, volunteers, and representatives from various organizations joined the festivities, highlighting the community’s dedication to improving air quality.
During his speech, Sahu mentioned that these initiatives are being conducted nationwide under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He emphasized the various strategies being implemented by the BMC to combat air pollution in the city.
In his opening remarks, BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana underscored the importance of individuals adopting sustainable habits to mitigate air pollution. He affirmed the BMC’s dedication to fostering clean and sustainable urban transportation, stressing that active participation from citizens is crucial for transforming Bhubaneswar into a cleaner, greener, and pollution-free environment.
As the chief guest, Mayor Sulochana Das encouraged every resident to plant and care for at least one tree. “If each individual plants a tree and nurtures it, Bhubaneswar will thrive as a green city,” she declared.
Das noted that due to various initiatives aimed at controlling air pollution, Bhubaneswar ranked fourth in the national clean air standings. She appealed to the community to plant and take care of trees in their homes, neighborhoods, and open spaces.
“With the cooperation of Bhubaneswar’s residents, we can establish a healthy, beautiful, and pollution-free city for future generations,” she remarked.
After the awareness meeting, a tree planting activity took place, where dignitaries and students planted saplings together.
The event concluded with a rally advocating for clean air and sustainable practices, which was initiated by the guests and navigated through the city. As part of the program, clothing was distributed to various community members through the RRR initiative, and tricycles were provided to two individuals who had recovered from leprosy. Additionally, the Forest Department handed out saplings to participants.
