Sambalpur: Over 20, 000 people from all walks of life participated in a mini marathon organised by Sambalpur district administration here to raise public awareness about environmental protection.
The marathon with slogan “Clean Mahanadi, Green Sambalpur” sponsored by IDBI Bank and held under the leadership of Sambalpur Municipal Corporation was taken out from Nelson Mandela Square and converged at Mandalia playground.
“The marathon is a mass movement for reducing air pollution. The noble attempt aimed to entrust a sense of responsibility among people to protect Mahanadi water from pollution and avoid open defecation”, said Sambalpur Collector Samarth Verma, who also took an active part in the marathon.
“Everyone must step up efforts to plant more and more trees on both sides of roads and highways so that environmental balance can be maintained. Cities could also be cleaner and cooler, if such practice is inculcated among the people”, a student participant said.
Among others, DIG, Northern Range Satyabrat Bhoi and Sambalpur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bimalendu Ray also participated in the run.
