Date | Oct 11, 2015:

Report by Odisha Diary bureau, Sukinda: In order to achieve the noble objective of conservation of environment and rapidly depleting mineral resources for the future generations, a day long “ Regional Environment cum Mineral Awareness Programme” (EMAP) for the school children of Jajpur district was organised under the aegis of Society of Geo-scientists & Allied Technologists (SGAT) on 11th October, 2015 at the premise of Chrome Valley Club, Tata Steel Sukinda. Students and teachers from 17 high schools of Sukinda- Daitari – Duburi and Jajpur Road area of the district actively participated in this programme which was organised and hosted by Tata Steel Ltd. At the outset, the students and teachers were taken on a guided tour to Sukinda Chromite Mine, the Plant, the Stack Yard and Water Treatment System and Nursery of Tata Steel accompanied by mining engineers, geologists and environmental experts. They acquired first-hand knowledge on different aspects of mining operations, waste management, mineral beneficiation, soil, water and mineral conservation as well as reclamation and rehabilitation measures taken by Tata Steel for environmental protection and mineral conservation. The students also participated in the competitions themed on ‘Mineral Identification’. Essay Competition as well as Quiz competition based on environment, mine, mineral & general awareness was organised. The winners were awarded with prizes at the concluding ceremony which was graced by dignitaries including Mr V P Upadhyaya, Director (Environment), MOEF, Government of India, Mr Bijay Kumar Nandi, Dy. Direcor of Mines, JK road Circle, Government of Odisha, Mr BK Mohanty, Advisor, SGAT & Ex-Director of Mining and Geology, Govt. of Odisha, Mr Pankaj Kumar Satija, GM (Operations), FAM, Mr. Rajesh Patel, Chief (Mining), Sukinda, Dr. S K Sadhangi, and Mr T Mohanta, eminent geologists, office bearers of SGAT & other officers from JK Road Circle