Boinda: Dhaneswar Sahoo has covered more than 350 kilometres so far on his bicycle to spread a simple message among people – the importance of planting trees.
While the green activists, eco clubs, non-government organisations and government are taking several steps to protect the environment, Sahoo is creating awareness among people in his own way.
With the sole aim of sensitising people on tree plantation, Dhaneswar set out on his cycle from his village Kemeli of Tabada Panchayat under Sohela block in Bargarh district, October 2.
After covering areas Bargarh, the cyclist then travelled across Jharsuguda and Sambalpur, currently he in Angul now, an industrial town known for pollution.
If one sees a man pedalling away on the streets of Angul town or in some parts of this district with a placard carrying an Odia message ‘Gachha Lagao, Jeevan Banchao’ (Plant Tree Save Life’) on his cycle, it will be Dhaneswar and no one else.
“Planting of trees has assumed importance in industrial towns like Angul where rapid industrialisation and associated activities are taking their toll on natural green cover,” he said.
During his short stay in Boinda village, he urged people to plant trees wherever they find any open space, be it in the village, school ground or the road side. He has informed people that temperatures are on the increase in this district during summer because of the lack of green cover and because forests are being destroyed recklessly. Dhaneswar said planting trees should be the duty of every citizen.
“After finishing my Odisha journey, I will travel to South India to spread the message,” Dhaneswar informed, adding he faced problems during his journey but the cause has given him strength to face difficulties.
PNN