Berhampur, Dec 26: In a bid to promote sustainability and reduce environmental waste, V. Keerthi Vasan, Collector of Ganjam District, has issued new guidelines for all district officials, including the Commissioner of BeMC, SDMs, BDOs, Tahsildars, and Heads of Offices in Ganjam. The guidelines aim to redirect the goodwill of well-wishers during the New Year and festive occasions towards more environmentally responsible actions.
The initiative, titled "9099- My New Year Pledge to Mother Earth," encourages government offices in Ganjam to take a stand against the use of single-use plastics and wasteful gift-giving practices. Here are the key points of the initiative:
Key Guidelines:
No Bouquets, Gifts, or Sweets:
All government offices are instructed to refrain from accepting flower bouquets, decorative gift items, sweets, and similar gifts during the New Year and on other courtesy calls. These items often contribute to waste, including single-use plastics, thermocol, and non-recyclable materials.
Encouraging Sustainable Actions:
Visitors and well-wishers will be encouraged to participate in simple acts of sustainability such as:
Avoiding single-use plastics
Carrying refillable water bottles
Planting and nurturing trees
Conserving electricity and water
Personal Sustainability Pledge:
Visitors will be invited to record their personal sustainability pledge on a '9099 pledge card or through a QR code placed at the reception.
Pledges may include commitments like:
"I will not use single-use plastic bags"
"I will plant one tree every month in 2026"
"I will avoid disposable plastic bottles"
Sustainability Certificates:
Online pledges will allow visitors to download a ‘Sustainability Certificate’, which they can also share on social media, helping to spread the message.
Minimizing Office Waste:
In addition to the New Year pledge, government offices will adopt the following sustainability practices:
Avoid single-use plastic bottles during official meetings and events. Only reusable water bottles and steel/glass dispensers should be used.
Minimize paper usage by preferring paperless methods under OSWAS (Odisha State Wide Area Network) and double-sided printing where necessary.
Undertake small green actions, such as maintaining indoor plants and office gardens.
Expected Outcome:
The initiative aims to foster conscious, environment-friendly behavior in line with national and state priorities on reducing plastic pollution, conserving resources, and supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By demonstrating leadership through this campaign, the district administration hopes to set an example of the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ principles in official functions.
Call to Action:
The Collector has asked all officials to:
Display clear notices at entrances explaining the decision to not accept gifts and encouraging visitors to take the sustainability pledge.
Maintain a small table or stand with pledge cards or a QR code for easy access by visitors.
Compile and report the number and types of pledges received to the District Office periodically, documenting the community’s commitment.
This initiative, ‘9099- My New Year Pledge to Mother Earth,’ aims to channel the goodwill and affection of citizens into building a healthier environment for future generations. The Collector urges all officers and staff to lead by example, encouraging this important cultural shift toward sustainability.
