Bhubaneswar, Sep 11: In an exemplary display of collective endeavour to protect and preserve the environment through community participation, more than 4000 saplings of different species were planted at Bachhera Hill in Jatni, a major sub-urban area of Bhubaneswar, today to mark the launch of ‘Sabuja Pahada’ (Greening Hillocks) project jointly organized by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Khurda District Administration with an aim to restore, rejuvenate and increase the green cover in the Capital City and its outskirts areas.
The participants of the mega event renewed their resolve to spearhead the collective efforts to expand the green cover, promote greener environment and combat the adverse effects of plastic pollution at Bachhera Hill, which will be transformed into an iconic Ecological Park by BDA where one can get a mini-forest experience.
A detailed plan of action is being prepared for Bachhera Bio Reserve with experts which once completed will offer a whole gamut of activities such as camping, trekking, resting shelters, adventure, creative and trail experiences for visitors.
Nearly 6000 people belonging different sections of the society and associations thronged the site early in the morning with great enthusiasm and spirit to participate in the mega plantation programme which has been organized with seamless support and smooth arrangements made by the Divisional Forest Office, Khurda, Jatni Municipality and Commissionerate Police.
Nearly 2000 school students, hundreds of senior citizens and members of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), members of Self-help Groups (SHGs), market associations, religious associations, transgender community, NGOs, representatives of political parties and several premier academic institutions such as IIT, NISER and BSF, ITBP personnel, students and staff of Centurian University among others joined the initiative with great interest.
