Call to Action: President Murmu Urges Environmental Conservation During Odisha Visit

By Vivek Saini

President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the urgent need for environmental conservation during her recent visit to Odisha. On July 8, she shared her observations and reflections in a series of tweets, particularly during a walk along the seashore in Puri. These remarks emphasised the deep connection between humanity and nature and the pressing need to address environmental issues. The President’s message was a call to action and a reminder of coastal communities’ traditional wisdom.

The President’s Observations on Nature

During her visit, President Murmu took a moment to express her deep admiration for the natural beauty of Odisha’s coastline. Her walk along the seashore became a meditative experience, as she described feeling a profound connection with the elements – the gentle wind, the roar of the waves, and the expansive sea. She noted the vibrant marine life, the unique coastal flora, and the pristine beaches. This experience brought her a sense of inner peace similar to what she felt during her visit to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The President’s reflections underscore the importance of reconnecting with nature, a connection often lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Concerns Over Environmental Degradation

In her tweets, President Murmu expressed deep concern over the state of the environment. She noted that humanity’s belief in its mastery over nature has led to exploitation for short-term gains, resulting in severe consequences. The President pointed out that many parts of India suffered from extreme heatwaves this summer, a phenomenon becoming increasingly common worldwide. She warned that if current trends continue, the situation will worsen in the coming decades.

President Murmu highlighted the specific threat posed by global warming to coastal areas. With over seventy per cent of the Earth’s surface covered by oceans, rising sea levels due to global warming threaten to submerge these regions. Pollution has heavily impacted the oceans and the rich variety of marine flora and fauna. The President emphasised the importance of preserving these ecosystems, which are crucial for maintaining the planet’s health.

Traditional Wisdom and Modern Solutions

President Murmu praised the traditional knowledge of coastal communities, who have lived harmoniously with nature for generations. These communities understand the language of the winds and waves and often worship the sea as a deity. She suggested that this traditional wisdom can guide modern efforts in environmental conservation. The President proposed a dual approach to addressing environmental challenges: broader measures from governments and international organisations, such as policy changes and global initiatives, and smaller, local steps by individuals and communities, like beach clean-ups and tree planting. She noted that both approaches are complementary and essential for creating a sustainable future. For instance, while policy changes and global initiatives can address large-scale issues like climate change, local actions such as beach clean-ups and tree planting can help preserve the beauty and health of our immediate surroundings.

Call to Action

The President concluded her message with a powerful call to action, urging everyone to pledge their efforts toward environmental conservation. She stressed that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility and that individual actions, no matter how small, can contribute significantly to a better tomorrow. By preserving the environment, we ensure a sustainable future for our children. Her call to action is a beacon of hope, inspiring us all to take responsibility for our environment.

During her four-day stay in Odisha, President Murmu emphasised the increasing frequency of extreme weather events globally, referencing the heat waves that had recently affected many parts of India. She also pointed out the rising sea levels due to global warming and the pollution affecting marine ecosystems. Her visit, which was primarily aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues and discussing potential solutions, included participation in the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, underscoring the intersection of cultural traditions and environmental concerns.

References:
https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1810141364459565401

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Photo from the official X handle of the President of India.