Jharsuguda : In a commendable effort to preserve the environment and maintain the natural beauty of the Andhari Hills, the Bagdihi Forest Range organized a Cleanup Program on Friday, following the Annual Van Durga Puja celebration which was held on November 9-10. This annual event, dedicated to Van Durga (Forest Durga), saw lakhs of devotees gather in the lush surroundings of Andhari Hills under the jurisdiction of the Bagdihi Forest Range of Jharsuguda district.
While the festival brought together thousands of visitors, it also resulted in a significant amount of waste, especially plastic debris, scattered across the forest area. In response, the Bagedihi Forest Range took immediate action to address the environmental impact of the event by organizing a large-scale cleanup initiative.
The cleanup was spearheaded by Pradeep Kumar Naik, Officer of the Bagdihi Forest Range, who oversaw the efforts of the Range’s staff and volunteers. “The sheer volume of plastic waste left behind by the massive turnout of devotees is overwhelming,” said Pradeep Kumar Naik. “Although today’s effort has made a notable impact, the cleanup is far from complete. We will need another dedicated day to remove the remaining waste and ensure that the forest area is fully restored.”
Joining the effort were key officials from the Bagdihi Forest Range, including Forester Murari Prasad Sahu, Amir Patel, DIO Sushil Mohapatra, and Team Leader Chudamani Behera. Additionally, the Range’s staff, including DNR M Bhakti Jena, worked diligently alongside volunteers to clear the area of plastic bottles, wrappers, and other waste materials.
The cleanup program is part of a larger, ongoing initiative to protect the Andhari Hills, a critical ecological area in the region. The annual Van Durga Puja not only celebrates the cultural significance of the forest but also highlights the growing concern for environmental conservation.
Pradeep Kumar Naik emphasized that the cleanup was necessary to ensure the protection of the forest’s biodiversity and to prevent long-term environmental damage. The Range has vowed to continue efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices during future festivals.
