Jharsuguda World Environment Day was celebrated at the Maa Andhari Durga Temple located in the Kahchua area under the Bagdihi Dihi forest range of Jharsuguda forest division. On this occasion, forest range officer Vandana Pasayat attended as the chief guest and highlighted how plastic pollution can be effectively controlled. She also offered prayers at the Maa Andhari Temple and initiated a cleanliness drive.
It is a tradition to organize the Banadurga Puja every year at the Andhari hill for the protection of the forest. During the festival, lakhs of devotees gather, leading to significant plastic waste accumulation. Considering this, a cleanliness drive was conducted on World Environment Day to raise awareness and maintain environmental hygiene.
Members of five forest protection committees surrounding the Andhari hill — Pakelakhol, Dudukabahal, Babuchipidihi, Banki Barapan, and Maa Andhari Mahasangha — along with local social workers and journalists participated in the program