Indus Valley Times

By Addanki Iswar R.

Malkangiri, July 12, 2024 – In a commendable initiative, the Rotary Club of Malkangiri organized a tree plantation program at the Govt. High School in Matapaka. The event, held under the supervision of club president Surendranath Padhi, saw the participation of Malkangiri Block Development Officer Prabhati Jhodia as the Chief Guest, and Dr. R. Prateek Priyadarshan from the Matapaka Health Centre as Guest of Honour.

The program began with a spirited rally by over 200 students, who marched through Purunaguda and Tala Sahi in Matapaka villages. Carrying banner and chanting slogans such as “A Tree for Mother, Tree for Soil, Tree for Me,” the students aimed to raise awareness about the importance of tree planting.

Following the rally, the guests, led by BDO , addressed the students on crucial environmental topics including tree planting, climate change, rising temperatures, oxygen depletion, and the impact on local flora and fauna. They emphasized the urgent need for large-scale tree planting and forest protection to safeguard the environment.

In a hands-on activity, the students planted over 100 varieties of trees, including Guava, Amla, Lemon, and Mango. To ensure the saplings’ growth, each tree was entrusted to two students, who took an oath administered by the BDO to care for their assigned plants.

The event saw the active participation of the school’s Headmaster Kanishta Nag, School Management Committee President Binayaka Chandra Madkami, and several prominent Rotarians including Vice-President A.Iswar Rao, Duryodhan Patra, Advisor and Dillip Somani, Joint Secretary . The program concluded with the involvement of all teachers and students, making it a collective effort towards a greener future.