Indian Oil takes up afforestation programme in cyclone-hit Puri

Bhubaneswar: As an environmental sustainability initiative, Indian Oil has taken up afforestation programme in Satyabadi block of Puri district.

As Swachhta Pakhwada is being observed across the country, Indian Oil has joined hands to make the program success under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

“Afforestation is an essential ingredient to combat global warming, soil erosion, air pollution and maintenance of biodiversity & ecological balances especially in urbanized towns/cities. Indian Oil has come forward in this direction to take challenge of afforestation or tree plantation to safeguard the environment” said Subhajit Ghosh, Chief General Manager, Indian Oil, Odisha State Office.

Due to the cyclone FANI, a huge number of very old trees near Puri had been destroyed. There are very few trees left which need immediate attention for developing green belt in that surrounding.

Adding to air pollution levels increasing day by day in urban areas, afforestation & tree plantations are very much essential in this area to provide clean environment through atmospheric carbon sequestration, reduction in temperatures, reducing soil erosion etc.

All senior officials of Odisha State Office were present for the plantation ceremony and planted around 700 trees in three acres of land to show their commitment to the environment.

This unique initiative of Swachhta Pakhwada has provided an edge to take up more similar activities in the days to come.

There are more plans under CSR projects of Indian Oil to develop of two water bodies, providing bio-toilets, planting more trees, provision of solar lights, Yoga centre, RO drinking water system, benches and dustbins etc at Dakshin Kali Temple and its periphery.

Jayant Kumar Sarangi, Puri MLA was very pleased and showed his eagerness. He urged to join the plantation program along with his native villagers.