The CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR–IMMT),
Bhubaneswar (Odisha Tazanews) :- observed World Environment Day on 5 June 2026 with great enthusiasm and wide participation from scientists, research scholars, staff members, students, and children. The celebration aligned with the global theme of environmental protection and climate action, underscoring the need for collective responsibility towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
The programme commenced with an awareness march within the institute premises, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, followed by a plantation drive in which participants planted fruit-bearing and indigenous saplings, thereby reaffirming CSIR–IMMT’s commitment to enhancing green cover and strengthening a sustainable campus ecosystem.
The event was graced by eminent personalities from the fields of environment, wildlife conservation, 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 Chief Speaker 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, who emphasized CSIR–IMMT’s commitment to environmental responsibility and the integration of sustainability into its scientific and technological activities. He highlighted the institute’s ongoing efforts to develop a green campus through eco-friendly practices and sustainability initiatives, and appreciated the Environment & Sustainability Department for promoting awareness through outreach programmes, plantation drives, and cleanliness drives.
Dr. L. D. Besra, Senior-most Scientist, also highlighted CSIR–IMMT’s continued commitment to sustainable development and emphasized collective responsibility in strengthening green practices within the institute. Dr. N. K. Dhal, Head, Environment & Sustainability Department, presented an overview of the institute’s ongoing research activities in environmental management, waste valorization, pollution control, sustainable resource utilization and circular economy.
In his keynote address, Shri Sabyasachi Patra stressed the importance of global warming and its 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 government initiatives (Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, CAMPA etc.), adaption of renewable energy for sustainable future.
To mark the occasion, a series of competitions and outreach activities were organized for scientists, staff members and their families, women, research scholars, students, and children. These included an Environmental Quiz, Waste-to-Wealth Model Exhibition, Poster Presentation, Drawing and Painting Competition, and other thematic events focused on climate change, biodiversity conservation, waste management, and sustainable living. The initiatives encouraged participants to showcase creativity and scientific innovation in addressing environmental challenges and management.
Winners of the competitions were felicitated during the programme in recognition of their innovative ideas and commitment to environmental sustainability. The event also provided a platform for meaningful dialogue among participants, experts, and guests on contemporary environmental issues and practical solutions.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Er. R. Sathish, Scientist-E, CSIR–IMMT, followed by a collective pledge by all participants to contribute towards environmental protection and sustainable development. The programme was successfully coordinated by the Environment & Sustainability Department, CSIR–IMMT, and witnessed enthusiastic participation across the institute community.
