A meaningful interaction was held with the students and faculty of B.M. High School, Jarada, in Angul district, focusing on the growing challenge of plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable practices.
The students displayed a commendable level of awareness about the harmful impacts of plastic waste and highlighted the school’s long-standing efforts to maintain a plastic-free campus. One of the key highlights of the interaction was an innovative waste bin created from plastic bricks, designed and used by the students themselves, reflecting practical, grassroots solutions to environmental problems.
The commitment of the school’s Principal and faculty members towards environmental education was clearly evident in the students’ informed perspectives and positive attitude towards key environmental issues.
We express our sincere gratitude to Team Sathee Parivar and Siddharth Pradhan for facilitating the interaction. We also thank the Principal, faculty members, and the enthusiastic students of B.M. High School for their active participation. Special appreciation is extended to Subrat Kumar Pradhan and Sushanta Tripathy for their cooperation and support.



Women of Rautala village under Sana Hinsar Gram Panchayat in Angul district pledged to keep their village clean and plastic-free during a unique community interaction programme organised by Sathee Parivar.
The event witnessed in-depth discussions on key environmental issues and sustainable practices. It was attended by Dharitri Editor Tathagata Satpathy, CEO Adyasha Satpathy, Sathee Parivar President Siddharth Pradhan, Village President Niranjan Babu, along with local community members.
Sathee Parivar representatives, including Subrat Pradhan and Sushanta Tripathy, also participated in the programme, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and grassroots action in addressing environmental challenges.
In a remarkable display of collective action, residents of Tandahar village under Astaranga block, Puri, have launched a large-scale community initiative to restore coastal sand dunes and combat sea erosion threatening their homes and farmlands.
Led by Bichitrananda Biswal, recipient of the Biju Patnaik Wildlife Conservation Award, and supported by environmental groups ‘Gilehrio’ and ‘Sabuja Sakha Astaranga’, the drive focuses on planting Spinifex grass, a native species that binds sand and naturally forms dunes. The project aims to revive nearly five kilometres of coastline, offering a sustainable, low-cost shield against sea intrusion.
At the launch event, Tathagata Satpathy, Editor of Dharitri and Orissa POST, hailed it as “a people-centred approach to adaptation,” while Adyasha Satpathy, CEO of Dharitri and Orissa POST, emphasised the role of women’s leadership in ensuring continuity and care in restoration.
Experts praised the Tandahar model as a powerful example of nature-based, community-led coastal protection that strengthens both ecology and livelihoods.
















Ms. Adyasha Satpathy, CEO, and Mr. Tathagata Satpathy, Editor of Dharitri and Orissa POST, participated in the Hati Sabha at Guhalia village in the Nilagiri block of Balasore district, organised in collaboration with Bikash Saathi. Dr. Biswajeet Panda has conceptualised and led this thoughtful and impactful programme aimed at addressing the pressing issue of human-elephant conflict.
Situated in a high-conflict zone, Guhalia village provided a crucial platform for open dialogue. We engaged with local residents, listened to their experiences of living in close proximity to elephants, and took note of the challenges they face. Discussions focused on practical strategies to reduce conflict and promote peaceful coexistence. This initiative is an important part of our broader climate action efforts, recognising the deep interconnection between biodiversity, community resilience, and sustainable living.











The Dharitri and Environmentalist Foundation of India have taken an important step in their ongoing effort to restore and preserve the natural water bodies of Odisha with the launch of their Water Bodies Restoration Drive. The first phase of this initiative has focused on reviving the Haridamda Lake, located in the Khordha district of Odisha. This picturesque lake, once a vital source of water and ecological balance for the surrounding communities, had fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect over the years. Through this restoration project, the foundation aims to breathe new life into the Haridamda Lake, returning it to its former glory as a thriving aquatic ecosystem and community resource.
The restoration work involved a comprehensive assessment of the lake’s condition, addressing issues such as siltation, pollution, that have threatened its existence. Teams of environmental experts and local volunteers worked together to carefully dredge the lake, remove invasive species, and reinstate native flora that provide critical habitats for diverse wildlife. Special attention also paid to strengthening the lake’s shoreline and catchment area, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this precious water body.
Beyond the practical aspects of physical restoration, the Dharitri and Environmentalist Foundation are also spearheading educational and community engagement initiatives to foster a deeper appreciation for the importance of water conservation among local residents. Through awareness campaigns, school outreach programs, and collaborative cleanup drives, the foundation hopes to empower the community to take an active role in protecting the Haridamda Lake and other vital natural resources in the region. This holistic approach, combining ecological restoration with social mobilization, underscores the foundation’s commitment to safeguarding Odisha’s delicate environmental balance for generations to come.