By Express News Service
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to promote Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 as a green international sports event, the State Government on Friday launched a mega plantation drive. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the programme by planting a sapling at Kalinga Stadium here. State Youth Welfare Board has launched the drive involving Biju Yuva Vahini (BYV) volunteers for a green and clean Hockey World Cup. As planned, the plantation drive would involve more than 2.5 lakh BYV volunteers across 30 districts and the drive will continue for throughout the monsoon season.
Appreciating the tireless effort of the volunteers during the Car Festival at Puri, the Chief Minister said the drive will make the State even greener. He urged the volunteers to create awareness on various campaigns of the Government pertaining to pollution and non-usage of plastic items. Under the drive, around 30 lakhs saplings would be planted with an objective to offset the carbon footprint that are likely to be generated during the Hockey World Cup. The campaign will see the people joining hands with the volunteers in striving for a green Odisha. BYV members have come forward along with the Sports and Youth Services Department to paint the upcoming Hockey World Cup green.
Secretary of Sports and Youth Services Department Vishal Kumar Dev said Odisha is one of the greenest States in the country and also prone to natural disasters. “This is why we have to take care of our flora and fauna. The BYV volunteers will further strengthen our efforts in that direction,” he added.The campaign will also sensitise the public to prevent depletion of forests and protect and expand the existing ones for future generations.
