Sambalpur: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today underscored Sambalpur’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, following a morning visit to the Sambalpur Zoo.
Shri Pradhan highlighted the immense potential of the zoo, currently a mini-facility, to transform into a mid-sized, world-class institution, envisioning it as Odisha’s second “Nandankanan.”
RDC Northern Division Sachin R Jadhav, IGP Northern Range, Himanshu L Lal, Collector Siddheswar Baliram Bondar, SP Mukesh Bhamoo accompanied the Union Minister. DFO Sambalpur was also present.
“Visiting the Sambalpur Zoo this morning was a delightful experience,” Shri Pradhan stated. “Sambalpur Zoo holds immense potential not just as a place of recreation but also as a vibrant center of environmental awareness and conservation.” He emphasized that green spaces, urban forests, and zoos are powerful mediums to raise awareness about nature, environment conservation, and wildlife conservation, particularly among younger generations.
Building on the momentum of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree for Mother) initiative launched last year, Shri Pradhan announced an ambitious plan to plant 100,000 trees in Sambalpur within the next three months, coinciding with the upcoming #WorldEnvironmentDay.
“As we approach #WorldEnvironmentDay this year, we have planned to plant 100,000 trees in Sambalpur within the next three months,” Shri Pradhan revealed. He outlined a comprehensive strategy involving schools, colleges, social organizations, and local administration to galvanize public participation and transform ‘#EkPedMaaKeNaam’ into a “jan-andolan” (people’s movement).
The initiative aims to significantly increase the green cover in Sambalpur, fostering sustainable development and aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for a greener India. The development of Sambalpur Zoo into a larger facility will further complement these efforts, providing a hub for biodiversity and environmental education for the region.