Odisha to Establish 50 Nature Camps in Each Panchayat

Bhubaneswar: The Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department has emphasized setting up at least 50 nature camps in each panchayat to deepen students’ connection with nature and instil a sense of environmental stewardship.

At the 18th Governing Body Meeting of the Centre for Environmental Studies (CES) in Bhubaneswar, Satyabrat Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department emphasised the involvement of Eco-clubs in seven themes of Mission LiFE initiatives in their day-to-day life and to organize Nature Camps, which will include participation of 40-50 students in each nature camp.

The camps will serve as an experiential learning platform, allowing young minds to engage directly with biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Further aligning with the commitment to environmental sustainability, the members present in the meeting advocated for making school campuses across the state plastic-free zones. This will be a concerted effort to reduce plastic waste and promote eco-friendly alternatives within educational institutions, reinforcing the importance of sustainability from a young age.

Moreover, the Governing Body endorsed the initiative titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree in the Name of Mother), an initiative encouraging students to plant trees in honour of their mothers. The effort aims to foster a deep personal connection to tree planting, driving home the importance of afforestation for a sustainable future.

The meeting witnessed the key officials members including Prem Kumar Jha, Director, Environment-cum-Special Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Dr. K. Murugesan, Director of Centre for Environmental Studies, officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII.