Sundargarh,29th Aug 2025: The very utterance of the six words “Punashcha Pruthibi” (“The Earth Again”) reminds us that the planet we inherited to live on is being destroyed due to our lack of awareness and reckless attitude. To rebuild it and hand it over to the next generation, not only awareness but also a soldier-like fight is required. Only when this environmental movement takes the shape of a people’s movement at the panchayat level can it succeed.
Speaking as the chief guest at the “Environment Panchayat” organized by Sambad in the Talsara Assembly constituency on Sunday, Odisha Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Bhavanishankar Bhoi made this statement. The program was held at the Rangali-based Talsara Medium Irrigation Project premises, where the Deputy Speaker discussed in detail the protection of the fast-degrading environment. He remarked that since there is no mining in the Talsara region, its environment remains relatively safe.
Keynote speaker and noted environmentalist Sudhanshu Kumar Choudhury said that humankind is destroying the earth with its own hands, striking an axe at its own feet. He warned that due to mining, Sundargarh has witnessed massive deforestation, alongside alarming depletion of groundwater levels. “We are already buying water; if we do not become alert now, in the future we may have to walk around carrying oxygen cylinders,” he cautioned.
Distinguished guest Devendra Majhi, former sarpanch and youth social worker, warned that without awareness about environmental disasters, it could lead to the destruction of all living beings. He stressed the need to involve students in activities such as identifying tree species. He also urged the Deputy Speaker to take steps for the removal of polluting factories from Talsara and Sundargarh.
Another guest, youth social worker Rupesh Patel, highlighted the causes and ill-effects of environmental imbalance, while urging people to abandon plastic use. Guest speakers Dev Lal Lakra, sarpanch of Tumulia, and Jagannath Chhatriya, sarpanch of Yamuna, emphasized the need for collective efforts for environmental protection.
The program was conducted by Sambad Sundargarh district correspondent Dambarudhar Nayak while Kanak News correspondent Debashish Kabi delivered the vote of thanks.
Among others present were Gulshan Barua, Kishore Raut, Raviratna Patel, Sumanmani Patel, MP’s representative Uchhab Tanti, Ajay Patel, Bisheshwar Patel, Prashant Seth, Netrananda Khatei, Banamali Barasatia, and Chumanmani Patel.
On this occasion, the Deputy Speaker Shri Bhoi and other dignitaries also carried out a plantation drive.
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