By Rashmi Rekha Das
In the small village of Ambadiha, nestled in the Khurda district of Odisha, a young environmentalist is making waves with his tireless efforts to protect the planet. Meet Rahul Maharana, a 25-year-old dynamo who has dedicated the last seven years of his life to environmental conservation because he feels that protecting our planet should not be a choice, it should be our responsibility.
Rahul’s passion for the environment is contagious, and his initiatives have inspired the youth mass of his locality to join the fight against pollution. Every Saturday and Sunday, Rahul can be found scouring the beaches and coastal areas of Odisha, collecting plastic waste and debris that threaten the delicate ecosystem of the region.
Rahul’s approach to environmental conservation is multifaceted. He has worked extensively on reducing plastic pollution, conserving olive ridley turtles, and promoting mangrove plantations. His efforts have not only helped to preserve the natural beauty of the coastal regions but also raised awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.
Of late, Rahul, the son of farmer Kishore Maharana and Geetanjali Maharana, has been recognized with the prestigious National Youth Award for 2022-23, among 24 recipients nationwide for 2021-22 and 2022-23. The award was conferred by Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandviya, at a ceremony in New Delhi recently. His relentless efforts to protect the environment have earned him national recognition.
In a candid conversation with Ommcom News, Rahul, the young and dynamic environmentalist, shares the inspiring story of his journey and the driving forces behind his crusade against plastic pollution and environmental degradation.
For Rahul, the path to environmental conservation was paved with personal experience. Growing up in a coastal region, he witnessed firsthand the fury of severe cyclones. However, it was the unexpected connection between plastic pollution and cyclones that sparked his passion for change.
“I was surprised to learn that plastic pollution on beaches plays a role in exacerbating cyclones. This revelation ignited a sense of purpose, driving me to dedicate my life to cleaning beaches and combating the scourge of plastic waste. My concern extends beyond the immediate impacts of cyclones. I am acutely aware that plastic pollution poses a more insidious threat to the planet. Plastic can’t dissolve in the earth, so it breaks down into microplastics, putting the lives of sea creatures at risk. This understanding has fueled my determination to protect the marine ecosystem and preserve the delicate balance of nature. Through my tireless efforts, I aim to inspire others to join the fight against plastic pollution and safeguard the future of our planet.”
It was during his Plus II days at Nimapara College that Rahul attended awareness programmes on beach cleaning drives, which opened his eyes to the menace of plastic pollution. He was particularly inspired by Soumya Ranjan Biswal, a local wildlife and Olive Ridley turtle conservationist. Biswal’s work highlighted the threat plastic poses to these endangered turtles during their nesting season, and Rahul knew he had to act.
Rahul’s dedication to environmental conservation extends beyond the beaches. Every week, he visits the Devi River mouth, where he conducts cleanup efforts and raises awareness about the vital importance of mangroves. These incredible ecosystems play a critical role in combating climate change and reducing plastic pollution, and Rahul is passionate about protecting them.
“Mangroves are more than just trees – they’re a crucial line of defence against the devastating impacts of climate change. They help to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels, protect against cyclones, and provide a habitat for countless species of plants and animals. By working to preserve these ecosystems, I am helping to safeguard the future of our planet,” says Rahul, the founder of the Odisha Mangrove Cleanup organization.
As a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, Rahul is dedicated to protecting the delicate balance of nature. Through his organization, he mobilizes communities to take action in preserving the mangrove ecosystems that are so vital to the health of our planet.
Talking about his most memorable moment, he said, “It was when Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praises on me for my clean-up drive to protect Devi estuary and Astaranga mangrove forest from pollution in Puri district. In his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, which always mentions the proponents of cleanliness, PM Modi lauded my selfless efforts in collecting every piece of garbage, litter or waste from the sea beach and the mangrove nearby.
Terming me as a Swachhagrahi, Modi had said “Rahul goes to the pilgrimage sites in Puri early in the morning every Sunday, and clears the plastic garbage there. “He has cleaned hundreds of kilos of plastic garbage and dirt so far. People like Rahul teach us a lot. Since health is directly related to cleanliness, as citizens, we must carry out our duties, whether it is cleanliness, nutrition or vaccination. All these efforts also help us in staying healthy.”
“After Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised me, many youths joined me which again boosted my spirit to work more for the cause,” said Rahul.
Rahul attributes his success to his parents saying “I credit my success to the unwavering support of my parents. They never pressured me to pursue a career solely focused on academics. Instead, they recognized and nurtured my passion, giving me the freedom to explore my interests.”
