Bhubaneswar:5 June 2026( Pratyusha Bureau) CSIR- IMMTobserved World Environment Day on 5th June 2026 with great enthusiasm and wideparticipation from scientists, research scholars, staff members, students, and children. Thecelebration aligned with the global theme of environmental protection and climate action,underscoring the need for collective responsibility towards a sustainable and climate-resilientfuture.The programme commenced with an awareness march within the institute premises,highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, followed by a plantation drive inwhich participants planted fruit-bearing and indigenous saplings, thereby reaffirmingCSIR-IMMT’s commitment to enhancing green cover and strengthening a sustainablecampus ecosystem.The event was graced by eminent personalities from the fields of environment, wildlifeconservation, and resource management. Shri Sudhanshu Sekhar Khora, Chief Executive,Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC), Bhubaneswar, and Executive Director (Forest &Environment), Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), attended as the Chief Guest. The ChiefSpeaker and Guest of Honour, Shri Sabyasachi Patra, noted wildlife filmmaker,conservationist, and Founder of Wild Tiger Productions, delivered the keynote address.The celebration was inaugurated by Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, whoemphasized CSIR-IMMT’s commitment to environmental responsibility and the integrationof sustainability into its scientific and technological activities. He highlighted the institute’songoing efforts to develop a green campus through eco-friendly practices and sustainabilityinitiatives, and appreciated the Environment & Sustainability Department for promotingawareness through outreach programmes, plantation drives, and cleanliness drives. Dr. L. D.Besra, Senior-most Scientist, also highlighted CSIR-IMMT’s continued commitment tosustainable development and emphasized collective responsibility in strengthening greenpractices within the institute. Dr. N. K. Dhal, Head, Environment & SustainabilityDepartment, presented an overview of the institute’s ongoing research activities inenvironmental management, waste valorization, pollution control, sustainable resourceutilization and circular economy.In his keynote address, Shri Sabyasachi Patra stressed the importance of global warming andits impact on climate change, and public engagement in strengthening wildlife conservation.Shri Sudhanshu Sekhar Khora underscored the significance of biodiversity conservation,ecological restoration in mining areas, increasing forest cover through various governmentinitiatives (Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, CAMPA etc.), adaption of renewable energy forsustainable future.To mark the occasion, a series of competitions and outreach activities were organized forscientists, staff members and their families, women, research scholars, students, and children.These included an Environmental Quiz, Waste-to-Wealth Model Exhibition, PosterPresentation, Drawing and Painting Competition, and other thematic events focused onclimate change, biodiversity conservation, waste management, and sustainable living. Theinitiatives encouraged participants to showcase creativity and scientific innovation inaddressing environmental challenges and management.
