Orissa Environmental Society PROFILE-BRIEF (With History of the Organization, Its Objects and Activities) Regn No
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ORISSA ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY PROFILE (Update: 30.04.2018) (Registration No.100/19 of 1982-1983, dated-25.10.1982 under Society Registration Act.1860) ND-4, VIP Area, IRC Village Bhubaneswar, (Odisha, India)-751015 Telephone: 0674-2557423 www.orissaenvironment.com Email: [email protected], [email protected] Publisher: Orissa Environmental Society ND-4, VIP Area, IRC Village, Bhubaneswar (Odisha, India)-751015 Telephone: 0674-2557423 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Date : 30.04.2018 Compilation: Dr S. N. Patro, President and Dr. L.A.K.Singh, Vice President, Orissa Environmental Society with inputs from other OES-members Emblem of the Society designed by Deepak Bhattacharya Three elements in the logo represent the flora, fauna and human footprint. ● Element on the leftside which projects the picture of a green foliage with its branches, represents the wild flora. ● Element at the bottom, which projects the picture of a fossilized animal, represents wild fauna. ● Elements on top, which projects the picture of a giant footstep, represents the ecological footprint of modern civilization. 2 Contents Prologue Profile-Brief Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws Executive Committees- 2015-2018 and 2012-2015 Advisory Body and Advisory Committees Succession List Founder Members Patron Members Life Members Institutional Members Our Past Members Awards and Felicitations Society Publications Activity Reports 2017-2011 Application form for Membership, Fellowship 3 PROLOGUE Orissa Environmental Society was founded in 1982 to promote mass awareness on the rapid pace ecological degradation and the urgent need towards protection and conservation of the environment and natural resources for eco-restoration. The Society came into existence on the 21st February1982 during the national Seminar on “Environmental Study and Forest Education” held at Phulbani (a tribal population dense district) under the auspices of the National Service Scheme of Government College, Phulbani and the Rotary Club of Phulbani, The Society was registered at Phulbani (Kandhmal district) under the Societies Registration Act. 1860 (Registration No.100/19 of 1982-83 dated 25.10.1982). The Society had its temporary address at Phulbani and started a humble beginning of its activities from there. In absence of a permanent address, the office of the Society got shifted from Phulbani to Brahmapur along with shifting of Dr. S.N.Patro, the Founder Secretary. It was in 1986, at the initiative of the Founder President of the Society Prasanna Kumar Dash, the Society’s office was shifted to Bhubaneswar. In recognition of the Society’s impeccable commitment to environmental awareness promotion, the Government of Odisha was pleased to allot a piece of land, free of premium. Now the Society has its own permanent building in Bhubaneswar on the Plot N.D.- 4, VIP Area, IRC Village. By now, the life membership strength of the Society is about 600. The Society conducts survey and research, publishes books and documents, holds mass mobilization campaigns, workshops, seminars, conferences, training courses, popular lectures, exhibitions, competitions, supports organizations with similar objectives, makes liaison with the State, National and International organizations and various such other activities in matters related to protection and conservation of environment and natural resources (see the brief profile). The subscription and donation collected from members, and interest earned out of the corpus fund are the primary sources of fund for conducting activities of the Society. Besides, it receives funds from the State as well as the Union Governments for small specific projects, and occasionally industrial and corporate organizations, individual members, philanthropic institutions and individuals have supported the causes of the society. 4 Orissa Environmental Society PROFILE-BRIEF (with history of the organization, its objects and activities) Regn No. 100/19 of 1982- 1983, dated 25th Oct. 1982, under the S.R.Act 1860, Regd. No. II/ 21022/ 70 (084)/ 2003–FCRA- III, dated 17.11.2003 under FCRAct, 1976. (Website: www.orissaenvironment.com, Email: [email protected], [email protected]) Orissa Environmental Society was founded in the year 1982, as a state level voluntary organisation, with the prime objective of promoting awareness towards the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity habitats, protection of environment and eco-development. The Society’s activities include study, research, documentation, publication, education, awareness promotion, lobby, liaison, persuasion, mass mobilisation campaign, conference, seminar, workshop, colloquium, issue based discussion and consultation, public meeting, etc. It was registered at Phulbani in 1982 under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and now has its head quarters in Bhubaneswar The approach of the Society has been to sensitising people on environmental issues and influencing government policies by way of interaction. This Society is a non-profit State level voluntary organisation functioning for more than three decades and contributing significantly for eco-development, habitat promotion and environmental management in the State of Odisha. It has been carrying sustainable activities through the years since 1982 towards achieving its objectives, and has established itself as a reputed state level apex organisation in matters regarding natural habitat, wildlife and environment. The Government of Odisha was pleased to award a piece of land free of premium to the Society, in recognition of its selfless services for the cause of nature conservation. It is now having its own building and infrastructure and self- sustaining. As on today, it has about 600 life members on its roll drawn from various walks of life, such as academics, engineers, doctors, architects, planners, economists, development managers, bureaucrats and persons interested in biodiversity, natural resources and environment conservation. Some reputed institutions like Orissa State Pollution Control Board, NALCO, Indian Rare Earth, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Orissa Forest Development Corporation, Institute of Mineral & Materials Technology, State Youth Welfare Board, Orissa, J.K Corporation Ltd, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, IMFA are the institutional members of the Society. A few achievements are cited to elucidate the Society’s commitment for the cause of the environment: Submitted a memorandum to Government of Odisha (Orissa) in 1982 for creation of the Department of Environment in the State. A research study on the problem of fluoride pollution in Angul (an industrial pollution hot-spot area identified by the Central Pollution Control Board) area due to industrial activities led to implementation of the fluoride-free water supply project to 11 villages by Orissa Environment Programme (Indo-Norwegian Cooperation) in 2000-2001. Launched an intensive campaign leading to the creation of the eighth biosphere reserve of the country in the Similipal Forest of the Mayurbhanj District by Government of India in 1994. Sustained campaign is going on towards protection and conservation of the epic fame Mahendragiri hill complex. Efforts are made to impress upon appropriate authorities in order to recognize this hill forest ecosystem studded with rare biodiversity and archaeological monuments as an Entity of Incomparable Value (EIV) and raise the status to a Biosphere Reserve and also to include in the list of Heritage Sites. 5 Preparation of a comprehensive document and sustained efforts in highlighting eco- degradation of the Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia provided input that helped creation of the Chilika Development Authority by the Government of Odisha to conserve it through eco-restoration activities. Plays proactive role through participation in formulation of the National Environment Policy, Odisha State Action Plan for Climate Change; District Mineral Development Foundation Trust and such other national, local issues. Conducts environment impacts studies and suggests for appropriate environment management strategies for development projects. The members of the Society comprising the pool of experts of various disciplines of science in the field of environment and natural resources lend their ungrudging support to government and non-government organizations, academic and research institutions through consultation, participation, advices. Collaborates, supports and associates with other organizations and institutions in conducting programmes and activities similar to the aims and objectives of the Society. Played the pivotal role in opening of the Bhubaneswar Chapter of the Indian Science Congress Association. The Society hosted the Chapter from 1996 to 2015. A little amendment was made to the title of the Congress from its 18th session held in 2016. It is now and for future the “Odisha Bigyan ‘O’ Paribesh Congress” focusing attention on the environmental challenges confronting the mankind at the present juncture. Holding discussions on “Current Issues on Science & Environment” on the first Sunday of every month is a regular programme of the Society. An expert on the subject is often invited. From 2016 the Annual Report is published in the form of a reference book that includes report on the year-round activities and features biodata of all invited Guests/Experts and the text of their lecture and discussions. Celebration of World Environment Day, National Science Day, Wildlife Week, and participation