The NSS Unit of the School of Mechanical Engineering (SME) and the School of Aerospace Engineering (SAE), KIIT DU, organized a Plantation Drive at Kendupatna, the adopted village of the unit. The initiative was aimed at promoting ecological balance and sensitizing villagers and students to the vital role of trees in combating climate change. The program was held in alignment with the State Government’s campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, a massive plantation initiative across Odisha .
The drive was inaugurated in the presence of Mrs. Nishipadma Kandi, Sarpanch of Kendupatna village, along with Dr. Smita Rani Panda, NSS Programme Officer, SME & SAE; Prof. Kalyani Mohanta; and Prof. Pruthwiraj Sahu. More than 60 NSS volunteers, supported by two staff members from the school and enthusiastic villagers, actively took part in the plantation of fruit-bearing, medicinal, and shade-giving saplings. Nearly 70 saplings were planted in the premises of the village hospital and the Biju Patnaik playground, while 40 saplings were distributed among local households to encourage the creation of a green and healthy environment within the community.
This noble initiative sought to address the pressing challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution, while also reflecting KIIT’s commitment to community engagement, environmental stewardship, and nation-building. The program was carried out under the able guidance of Dr. Prabhat Kumar Rout, NSS Programme Coordinator; and Dr. Smruti Ranjan Das, NSS Liaison Officer, whose support ensured the smooth and effective execution of the drive.
The collective efforts of students, faculty, and the community made the plantation drive a commendable success and a meaningful step toward building a greener, more sustainable future.