PPL Conferred with Nature Care Sustainability AwardParadip, June 6: Trees, air, and water are nature’s greatest gifts to humanity, and protecting them is the collective responsibility of society, said Justice Gaurishankar Satapathy of the Orissa High Court while addressing a World Environment Day celebration organized by Nature Care Initiative, New Delhi, at Jayadev Sadan, Paradip.
Presiding over the event, Nature Care Initiative Chief Advisor Durga Prasad Guru welcomed the gathering. In his keynote address, Justice Satapathy described trees as symbols of service and sacrifice, noting that they provide shade, fruits, timber, and oxygen without expecting anything in return. He emphasized that while trees can live for 200 to 300 years, rapid deforestation is taking place at a much higher rate than plantation efforts.
He cautioned that development in the name of industrialization should not become destructive. “Development without environmental protection ultimately leads to destruction,” he remarked. Highlighting the growing threat posed by plastic pollution, he said excessive use of polythene is harming soil, water, and air. He also expressed concern over rising global temperatures, increasing dependence on air conditioners, and the environmental impact of wars and conflicts around the world.
Recalling the devastating Super Cyclone of 1999, Justice Satapathy urged people to adopt environmental conservation as a lifelong mission and ensure a healthy environment for future generations. He stressed the need not only to plant saplings but also to nurture them into mature trees.
Paradip Port Authority Chairman P.L. Haranadh, attending as Guest of Honour, stated that the Port Authority has planted and is maintaining over one million saplings. He noted that several plantation sites in Paradip have now developed into green forested areas. He further informed that the port aims to become fully mechanized by 2030, which would significantly reduce pollution levels.
Additional PCCF of Kerala, Dr. Padma Mahanti, emphasized that caring for saplings until they become trees is as important as planting them. Other distinguished speakers included IOCL Paradip Executive Director Kaushik Basu, PPL Paradip Unit Head S. Girish, and senior journalist and environmentalist Abhijit Seth from Kolkata, who shared valuable insights on environmental protection and sustainability.
On the occasion, the prestigious Nature Care Sustainability Award 2025 was presented to PPL in recognition of its outstanding contribution to environmental conservation. The award was received by PPL Paradip Unit Head S. Girish.
The programme began with a beach-cleaning drive at Paradip seashore. Nature Care Initiative General Secretary Om Prakash Guru delivered the welcome address and proposed the vote of thanks.
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