Rourkela : The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, organised an awareness programme and poster competition for the students of Kendriya Vidyalaya NIT Rourkela on 16 September 2026 as part of Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 under the Deep Ocean Mission, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India.
The programme aimed to sensitise school students about the importance of clean oceans, marine ecosystems and the need for collective action to protect the marine environment. A total of 150 students of KV NIT Rourkela participated in the poster-making competition, expressing their ideas and creativity on ocean conservation and environmental protection.
The programme was led by Prof. Naresh Krishna Vissa, Head, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, NIT Rourkela, along with faculty members of the department. The students were encouraged to understand the impact of pollution on oceans and marine life and to contribute towards creating a cleaner and safer marine environment.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Saurav Chatterjee, Dean (SRICCE), NIT Rourkela, interacted with the students and participated in the pledge. Addressing the gathering, he said, “We must preserve our marine flora and fauna and work towards minimising pollution in our oceans. Protecting the oceans is a shared responsibility, and each one of us has a role to play in keeping them clean and healthy for the future.”
Prof. Naresh Krishna Vissa, Head of the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, NIT Rourkela, called upon the younger generation to actively participate in protecting our marine ecosystems from coastal erosion, marine littering, and pollution, emphasizing the importance of preserving ecological balance and ensuring a sustainable future.
Mrs. P. Neeraja, Principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya NIT Rourkela, encouraged the students to actively participate in Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 and contribute to spreading awareness about the importance of protecting oceans and marine ecosystems.
The programme concluded with a pledge reinforcing the commitment of the students and faculty towards cleaner and safer oceans. The initiative provided the young participants an opportunity to learn, express their ideas and recognise their role in building a sustainable ocean future.