Jharsuguda: World Environment Day was celebrated at the Maa Andhari Durga Temple located in Kahachhua, under the Andhari forest region of the Bagdihi forest range in Jharsuguda division.
On this occasion, Vandana Pasayat, Officer-in-Charge of the Bagdihi forest range, attended as the chief guest and highlighted the importance of controlling plastic pollution. She also offered prayers at the Maa Andhari temple and inaugurated a cleanliness drive.
The Banadurga Puja is organized every year for the protection of the Andhari hills. However, during the festival, which draws lakhs of devotees, large amounts of plastic waste accumulate in the area. Keeping this in mind, a special cleaning drive was organized on World Environment Day.
Members of five Forest Protection Committees from nearby areas—Pakelkhol, Dudukabahal, Babuchipidihi, Banki Barapan, and Maa Andhari Mahasangha—actively participated in the event. Social workers, local residents, and journalists from the surrounding regions were also present.
The program was further supported by Bagdihi Foresters Murari Prasad Sahu, Amir Patel, team leader Chudamani Behera, and other officials, who played key roles in making the initiative a success.
