Bhubaneswar: The Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar, Toshali Circle, in association with other Rotary Clubs from the city Sunday organised an awareness rally to persuade the citizens to shun use of the unhealthy plastics for more environment-friendly alternatives.
The rally, which saw a large participation of people, started from Rupali Chowk and culminated at Ram Mandir Square. Among the participants were around 1,000 students from the Astha School of Management and Janajati School.
Yagyansis Mohapatra, President of Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar, Toshali Circle, said, “There is an urgent need to plant saplings to save the environment and avoid use of plastic in day-to-day life. That is why we organised the awareness rally. We would welcome other schools also in such awareness campaigns.” While pointing at the harmful effects of polythene, he requested people to use biodegradable bags instead.
Girija Sankar Chaudhary, Rotary District Governor, said, “Plastic is dangerous for the environment. It is a big threat to our children and the entire civilisation so we should put a ban on its use to keep our environment
cleaner and safer.”
Bhubaneswar Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said that the use of plastic and polythene bags in the capital had come down and the civic body has been spreading awareness among people and also taking various steps for protecting the environment.
The organisers distributed non-polythene bags free of cost and requested them to adopt these as the best substitute to save the environment.