18th GBM of the Centre for Environmental Studies (CES)
Bhubaneswar, 15th October 2024 : The 18th Governing Body Meeting of the Centre for Environmental Studies (CES), Bhubaneswar, convened today at 1:00 PM at conference hall of Home department under the chairmanship of Shri Satyabrat Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department. The meeting, attended by key officials members including Shri Prem Kumar Jha, IFS, Director, Environment-cum-Spl. Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Dr. K. Murugesan, IFS, Director, 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), reaffirmed CES’s role in driving forward Odisha’s environmental agenda.
Marked a pivotal step towards strengthening environmental education and sustainability initiatives in Odisha through Eco-clubs. Key decisions were taken to promote eco-consciousness among the youth and ensure cleaner, greener spaces in educational institutions.
In a significant move, the ACS emphasised the involvement of Eco-clubs in 7 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 and 50 nos of camp for each district. This initiative is aimed at deepening students’ connection with nature and instilling a sense of environmental stewardship. 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 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 honor of their mothers. This effort aims to foster a deep personal connection to tree planting, driving home the importance of afforestation for a sustainable future.
With these landmark initiatives, CES continues to lead the way in fostering a sustainable future, involving the youth and communities in building a BIKASITA ODISHA to contribute its part on Hon’ble PM’s BIKASITA BHARAT
