Over 250 community members took environment pledge
Koida, July 23, 2026: Iron ore mine of Nilachal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL) celebrated the 77th Van Mahotsav at the Government Upper Primary School in Patuli village under Patamunda Gram Panchayat of Koida block in Sundaragada district as part of the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0’ campaign, promoting environmental conservation and community participation in afforestation efforts.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, local residents and forest officials. As part of the celebrations, students of the school took out an awareness rally across the village, raising slogans on environmental conservation and spreading awareness about the importance of protecting and nurturing nature. An environment pledge was also administered to all the attendees at the event.
Jashabant Sethi, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Bonai, attended the event as the chief guest and planted a sapling on the school campus. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that planting trees is only the first step and that their care and nurturing are equally important for ensuring healthy growth. He urged all present to actively contribute towards environmental protection and make tree plantation a sustained community movement.
Duryodhan Jerai, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Bonai, graced the occasion as the guest of honour. He encouraged students and community members to actively participate in initiatives aimed at preserving and enriching the natural environment, stressing the collective responsibility of society in safeguarding ecological balance.
Adding a competitive and educational dimension to the celebrations, prizes were distributed to the winners of Poster Making and Drawing Competitions organized earlier at the school on environmental themes. The programme also recognized the contributions of local residents who have played a significant role in protecting and nurturing forest resources in the region. These individuals were felicitated for their efforts towards forest conservation and environmental sustainability.
More than 250 local residents including Abinash Suman Bage, former Sarpanch of Patamunda Gram Panchayat, ward members, school management committee members and Pankaj Kumar, Head (Mining), NINL, along with teachers, students, community members and other stakeholders attended the event.
The Van Mahotsav celebration reinforced the message of environmental stewardship and community participation, inspiring all stakeholders to contribute towards building a greener and more sustainable future through the spirit of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0’.
