Bhubaneswar, 11 December (H.S.): In a significant step towards enhancing urban greenery and improving air quality, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) today launched a large-scale tree plantation drive at the Temporary Transit Shelter (TTS) near Sainik School. Over 1,000 saplings were planted across the campus as part of the initiative. Housing & Urban Development and Public Enterprises Minister, Dr. Krishna Chandra Mohapatra, attended the event as the Chief Guest, inaugurated the newly established Clean Canteen, and formally launched the plantation programme.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Dr. Mohapatra highlighted Bhubaneswar’s achievement of ranking fourth nationally in the Clean Air Survey, attributing this success to the city’s comprehensive green initiatives. He noted that under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), extensive tree plantation across BMC limits has played a vital role in improving and sustaining the city’s air quality. He called upon citizens, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), voluntary organisations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to actively participate in BMC’s green mission.
BMC is employing scientific methods to develop dense urban forests at multiple locations across the city. At the TTS near Sainik School, saplings approved by the Pollution Control Board—including shade-giving, flowering, and oxygen-rich species—have been planted to establish a sustainable, cool, and clean green belt. No fruit-bearing trees have been included to ensure a primary focus on air quality improvement. Medium-sized saplings were chosen to promote faster canopy growth and accelerate ecosystem development.
The Minister further emphasized that while the TTS campus already had a considerable number of trees, the addition of over a thousand new saplings will significantly strengthen the area’s green cover.
Bhubaneswar Mayor Smt. Sulochana Das highlighted the success of previous Miyawaki plantations by BMC, noting that these have now grown into dense green pockets. “Plantation is only the first step; consistent maintenance ensures long-term success. BMC’s Miyawaki and avenue plantations are thriving today due to proper upkeep,” she said.
Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Smt. Usha Padhee, lauded BMC’s sustained efforts in enhancing urban ecology. She stressed that developing strong green infrastructure is as important as expanding physical infrastructure in a rapidly growing city like Bhubaneswar. She added that BMC’s plantation initiatives complement the State Government’s broader climate-resilience strategy and emphasized that long-term environmental sustainability can only be achieved through collective ownership. Smt. Padhee urged citizens, community groups, and institutions to actively participate, noting that community involvement is the backbone of every successful green initiative.
BMC Commissioner Shri Chanchal Rana highlighted the critical role of afforestation in safeguarding Bhubaneswar against natural disasters and maintaining ecological balance.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
