Chandipur Beach Hosts Inspiring Event for International Horseshoe Crab Day

A Day of Environmental Awareness and Action

Chandipur: On Friday, Chandipur beach came alive with a vibrant celebration of International Horseshoe Crab Day, merging environmental awareness with scientific exploration through an extensive beach cleanup initiative.

The event attracted more than 200 enthusiastic participants, including NCC cadets, Junior Red Cross members, and Scouts and Guides, all united in their mission to safeguard marine biodiversity and promote awareness about the endangered Horseshoe Crab.

Notable speakers, Prof Manoranjan Mishra from the Geography Department and Dr Asesh Kumar Shaw from the Journalism and Mass Communication Department at Fakir Mohan University, delivered engaging talks on the ecological significance of Horseshoe Crabs, inspiring students to become advocates for marine conservation.

Dr Biswajeet Panda, the founder of Bikash Saathi, led an interactive session that delved into the lives of Horseshoe Crabs and the broader marine ecosystem, enhancing students' understanding of coastal biodiversity and the critical need for its protection.

Youth leaders Akash Jena, Saipriya Nayak, Tushar Behera, Adarsh Jena, Rashmita Kabat, and Rebati Singh organized a ‘Beach Eco Walk’, guiding participants through the coastline to discover various marine species and their habitats.

Exceptional contributions from students Siddhi Pradhan, Arju Ara Khan, and Ankita Dinda were acknowledged with awards for their innovative posters and impactful presentations. Teachers from Siddhivinayak Public School, including Malay Ranjan Mohapatra, Sanat Kumar Mohanty, Namita Patra, and Mousumi Shaw, also provided valuable insights on the significance of conserving marine life.

Under the leadership of coordinator Sambit Patra, the program highlighted the importance of action alongside awareness. Demonstrating their commitment to ocean health, students successfully collected over 500 kg of single-use plastics and ghost nets, which were disposed of responsibly.

This impactful initiative was made possible through the collaboration of Wildlife Trust of India, Fondation Segré, Dharitri, and ASD Auditors, showcasing the power of collective efforts in safeguarding our oceans for future generations.