Interview Times 
Dhenkanal: A daylong stakeholders’ consultation program on the theme “Clean Dhenkanal: Green Dhenkanal” was organized on Saturday at the Old Zilla Parishad Hall, Dhenkanal, jointly by Dhenkanal Municipality and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal. The program brought together civic authorities, academia, civil society, students, senior citizens, and intellectuals of the town to deliberate on effective ways to promote cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene, and sustainable civic practices.
The program was attended by Municipality Chairperson Ms. Jayanti Patra, Vice Chairperson Mr. Prakash Chandra Kunar, Executive Officer Ms. Bhagat Shamal Kalyanrao, IAS, and Regional Director of IIMC Prof. Anand Pradhan, along with faculty members, students, and prominent citizens.
As part of the consultation, six student groups from IIMC presented their ideas and suggestions on different aspects of cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene, slum management, grievance redressal mechanisms, and awareness campaigns. Their innovative proposals were widely appreciated by the civic leadership.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Anand Pradhan, Regional Director of IIMC, urged the citizens, civil society, educational institutions, and the municipality to jointly launch a movement to cultivate civic sense and promote awareness about cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene in the town. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and citizens’ active participation in making Dhenkanal clean and green.
Municipality Chairperson Ms. Jayanti Patra welcomed the ideas and suggestions given by the student groups, noting that they would help improve the connection and efficiency of the municipality. She appealed to the civil society to come forward and strengthen the mass movement on cleanliness.
Vice Chairperson Mr. Prakash Chandra Kunar highlighted the crucial role of the younger generation in saving the environment and promoting sustainable development.
The event also saw active participation from many senior citizens and intellectuals of the town, who shared their valuable insights and experiences.
The program was conducted by Assistant Professor Dr. Chirasrota Jena, while Dr. BN Seth delivered the vote of thanks.
The consultation concluded with a collective resolve to work together to make Dhenkanal a model town of cleanliness and civic responsibility.
