World Nature Conservation Day: Due to increased and unsustainable human activities, our nature is facing a great threat. Ultimately the consequences are being manifested in terms of more frequent and deadly natural hazards and climate change impacts. In this context, the Science for Common People Society (SCOPES), based at SOA University, has joined hands with Indian Meteorological Society- Bhubaneswar Chapter and Trident Academy of Technology, Bhubaneswar to celebrate the “World Nature Conservation Day 2025’. The objective is to promote awareness amongst young faculties/scientists and mainly students regarding the urgent need for conservation of nature that will ensure sustainable development of the Society.
On this important occasion at Trident Academy of Technology, Bhubaneswar, Dr. Prabodh Mohanty, the MD of SNM Group and President of Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, joined as the Chief Guest. In his address, he focused that industries are essential for economic growth. However, they are always considered as culprits of environmental pollution. But, now a days, the stringent guidelines of the government, coupled with eco-friendly approach of industrialists, have made the industries compliant with environment protection. So, industry-academia interaction need to be emphasized in such context and the technical students should learn to approach the development with responsibility.
Eminent environmentalist, Ex PCCF and Vice President of SCOPES, Dr. Bijay Ketan Patnaik’s Key note address focused on conservation of nature and sustainable development. Eminent Climate Scientist of SOA and president of SCOPES, Prof. U. C. Mohanty highlighted on the science behind nature, environment and climate change as need of the hour. As Prof. Mohanty said, the science need to be explained in a simplified manner with there interlinks, which will ensure involvement of common people and participatory role in conservation of nature and reduction of carbon footprint towards arresting rapid climate change scenarios in the era of rapid industrialization. Dr. Manorama Mohanty, Director of IMD- Bhubaneswar and Co-Chairperson of IMS- Bhubaneswar described about need of awareness on extreme weather events and their impacts as well as participatory role of each and every individual in getting benefits from impact-based warning systems of the IMD.
The other dignitaries present were Dr. D. N. Pattnaik, Principal of Trident Academy, Dr. Nihar Ranjan Das, Secretary, SCOPES, Dr. Mithun Karmakar from NHM, Govt of Odisha and Er. Ajaya Ku. Mahakud from DoWR, Govt. of Odisha. The Dean of Trident Group, Dr. Sakuntala Mahapatra led the organizing of this event and concluded with focus on nature conservation as a big challenge to be addressed. Nearly 200 faculties and students participated in the event and interacted with the guest and expert.
