Jharsuguda: A workshop on wildlife conservation, wetland protection, and forest fire awareness was organized at Tileimal U P High School in Brajrajnagar, Jharsuguda, with the aim of engaging the public in environmental preservation. Experts emphasized the need for afforestation, restoring degraded forests, and encouraging community participation to maintain ecological balance for future generations.
The event, supported by Jharsuguda Forest Division, Brajrajnagar Forest Division, and the District’s Eco Club, saw participation from officials, environmentalists, and students. Chief Guest and District Development and Executive Officer Prabeer Kumar Nayak highlighted the challenges posed by urban expansion and habitat loss, urging collective action to safeguard the environment.
Keynote speaker Ashutosh Nayak, former professor of Sambalpur University and honorary wildlife warden of Sundargarh, stressed the importance of conserving forest resources and groundwater through public involvement. Other dignitaries present included District Information and Public Relations Officer Ajay Jena, District Environment Committee members Tapas Ray Chaudhary and Benudhar Chaudhary, and environmentalists Ashish Shukla, Hamid Mahapatra, and Ritesh Kumar Sharma.
Representatives from industries such as MCL and NTPC also took part in the discussions. MCL Rescue Mining Manager Surya Kanti Tripathy and NTPC AGM Dr. D.L. Nandeshwar emphasized corporate responsibility in environmental conservation. Participants were shown various techniques to prevent forest fires, and students who excelled in related competitions were awarded certificates and prizes.
The workshop was chaired by Jharsuguda’s honorary wildlife warden Prahllad Nayak, while Brajrajnagar Forest Officer Reshana Jamdalia coordinated the program. The event concluded with a collective call for greater environmental responsibility and proactive conservation efforts.
