- A glorious and successful event…
- Nature lovers have demanded immediate stop to unnecessary construction and tampering with nature in the name of beautification.
- Strong demand raised for urban forest development in Nava Raipur and all urban areas
On the appeal of Chhattisgarh Science Sabha, to increase public awareness on World Environment Day, Chhattisgarh Rational Council, Superstition Eradication Committee, Green Army Amlidih Chapter and Breakthrough Society, along with other social and educational institutions came forward and formed a human chain at Telibandha – Marine Drive, an ancient protected pond in Raipur.
On this occasion, the message of saving forests, saving water, saving air and saving land and life was given.
It is noteworthy that this event is celebrated every year with a new theme after the resolution taken by the Stockholm Conference of the United Nations in 1972.
This year World Environment Day 2026 was organised on the theme – “Inspired by Nature – for a better climate and a better future”.
For this successful human chain, dignitaries from different sections of the society, administrative officers, doctors, engineers, educationists, environment lovers and conscious citizens participated enthusiastically.
The programme started with the environmental song of Chhattisgarh Science Sabha, “Trees are our breath, trees are our life”.
It started with the collective singing of.
After this, the citizens present expressed their commitment towards environmental protection, promotion of biodiversity and conservation of natural resources. Departmental Investigation Commissioner Dilip Vasnikar, Neha Vasnikar, former Commissioner of Raipur Division Karmaveer Mahadev Kavre, Chhattisgarh Science Sabha President Vishwas Meshram, senior member and environmentalist Uma Prakash Ojha, organic farming expert Laxmikant Agrawal, agricultural scientist Ashwani Banjara, pediatrician Dr. Snehlata Humne, theatre artist Ratan Gondane, Dr. Dinesh Mishra of Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, Amitabh Dubey of Green Army, Dr. Ramesh Sukhadeve of Tarksheel Parishad, Beniram Gaikwad of Vigyan Sabha, social worker Mahendra Bagde, writer Dr. Sanjeev Khudshah, rationalist Mithun Banjare and hundreds of awakened citizens were present.
In his insightful address, former Commissioner of Raipur Division, Karmaveer Mahadev Kavre, citing the example of Cape Town during his South Africa study tour, explained how a severe groundwater crisis has arisen there. Today, due to water shortages, the once-thriving city of Cape Town has been devastated. Residents, businesses, and businesses have been forced to relocate elsewhere. Praising the Raipur event, he said that even small steps to save the environment can yield significant results in the long run. He suggested planned action to improve Raipur’s groundwater level and reduce rising temperatures.
Departmental Investigation Commissioner Dilip Vasnikar reminded about the work done for conservation of ponds during his tenure in Bhilai Durg and said that through collective efforts we can do a great job in saving water, forest, land and air.
Chhattisgarh Vigyan Sabha President Vishwas Meshram, under the Future of India campaign, emphasized the importance of public initiatives in making India self-reliant in science and technology by 2047, the centenary of independence. He underscored the role of both the government and the public in mitigating the harmful effects of climate change on agriculture.
Dr. Dinesh Mishra, President of Blind Faith Eradication Committee, stressed the need for participation of a large number of common people for environmental protection.
Dr. Anju Meshram, Secretary of the Raipur unit of Vigyan Sabha and coordinator of this entire human chain, while highlighting the measures to reduce the increasing heat and heat wave, outlined a phased action plan to keep Raipur city cool even in summer.
Amitabh Dubey, President of Green Army Chhattisgarh, provided detailed information about the work being done by the Green Army in the state. He explained that on every Environment Day, each Green Army member is assigned a specific task for environmental protection.
Senior member of Vigyan Sabha, Adhir Bhagwanani demanded that small holes should be left in the concrete drains being constructed on the roadsides in all urban and rural areas for water recharge so that water can seep through these holes and raise the groundwater level.
Dr Sanjeev Khudshah, editor of DMA India channel, expressed concern over the decreasing number of ponds.
Senior Vigyan Sabha member and environmental activist Uma Prakash Ojha suggested establishing protected urban forests on the land surrounding the offices and government colonies being relocated from Raipur to Naya Raipur instead of building commercial complexes. He stressed that these urban forests should consist solely of forests, and all other urban activities should be strictly prohibited.
The speakers expressed their views on nature conservation, prevention of deforestation, promotion of native plantation of traditional trees of Chhattisgarh – Neem, Mahua, Kauha Arjun, Bel, Mango, Tamarind, Banyan, Peepal Ghashti, Guler, Sal, Saja Beeja, Teak, Khamhar, Dhavda etc., conservation of ponds and rivers and effective measures to reduce pollution.
Those present expressed concern that unnecessary construction is being carried out in many places in the name of beautification. They strongly demanded the development of urban forests by planting more trees in such areas, thereby increasing the green cover in cities and maintaining environmental balance.
On this occasion, theatre artist Ratan Gondane sang the song “Bhumi” and conveyed the message that we have inherited this land from our ancestors, to bequeath it to future generations in a more beautiful form. We have not inherited it for luxury or to plunder its wealth, but to preserve its beautiful rivers, streams, lakes, forests, and mountains and hand them down to future generations. It is our collective responsibility to oppose those who harm nature and contribute to saving life on this only blue-green planet in our galaxy.
At the end of this awareness program organized on Environment Day, all the people formed a human chain and took a complete round of Telibandha pond.
The program was concluded by Chhattisgarh Science Sabha President Vishwas Meshram by thanking Akashvani Raipur, District Administration Raipur and the participating organizations, Breakthrough Science Society, Chhattisgarh Rational Council, Blind Faith Eradication Committee, Green Army Amlidih Raipur and the colleagues of Science Sabha.