Sudam babu state bureau odisha

Hit and hot news

Bhubaneswar, September 27, 2026:
A unique blend of sport, environmental awareness and wildlife conservation came alive in Bhubaneswar on Sunday with the organisation of the 1st Chandaka Green Marathon, held as part of the celebrations marking the 72nd Wildlife Week.

The event brought together runners, students, young people, nature enthusiasts, government officials and citizens with a shared message of protecting forests, preserving wildlife habitats and encouraging healthier lifestyles. Unlike a conventional urban marathon, the event offered participants the opportunity to run through the natural surroundings of the Chandaka–Bharatpur forest landscape and Ekamra Kanan park areas.

The marathon was inaugurated by Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha. Prem Kumar Jha, PCCF (WL) and Chief Wildlife Warden, and Manoj V. Nair, Member Secretary, Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), were among the senior officials present at the programme. Forest department officials, nature lovers and runners also participated in the occasion.

Marathon Designed Around Nature and Conservation

The first edition of the Chandaka Green Marathon was conceived not merely as a sporting event but as a public awareness initiative centred on wildlife and environmental protection.

Participants competed in three running categories—5 km, 10 km and 21 km. The route provided runners with an opportunity to experience the natural character of the Chandaka–Bharatpur landscape while carrying a larger message about the importance of protecting forest ecosystems.

A notable feature of the marathon was that a considerable section of the route passed through forest tracks. This made the event different from ordinary road races conducted primarily through city streets.

The 21-km race was structured into three loops of approximately seven kilometres each. The format allowed participants to experience the forest environment repeatedly while maintaining a defined and managed route.

The organisers placed particular importance on ensuring that the sporting activity remained compatible with the surrounding ecological environment.

‘Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife’ Becomes Central Message

The marathon was organised around the theme “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife.” The theme underlined the relationship between healthy habitats and the survival of wildlife.

Forests and natural landscapes provide food, shelter and movement corridors for numerous species. When habitats become fragmented or disturbed, wildlife can face increasing challenges. The event therefore sought to use the popularity of running as a means of communicating a broader environmental message.

Participants were encouraged to adopt the slogans “Run for Nature” and “Run for a Wilder Tomorrow.” These messages highlighted the idea that conservation is not limited to government agencies or wildlife experts and that citizens can also contribute to protecting natural ecosystems through responsible behaviour.

The event also connected environmental protection with human well-being. Clean surroundings, healthy ecosystems, green spaces and opportunities for outdoor activity can all contribute to a healthier and more sustainable way of life.

Running Through a Forest Landscape

The forest-based character of the marathon gave participants a different experience from a standard city marathon. Instead of running entirely along busy urban roads, participants moved through designated portions of the Chandaka–Bharatpur landscape and nearby green spaces.

The setting also reinforced the importance of maintaining discipline in environmentally sensitive areas.

Participants were instructed to remain on the prescribed routes and follow the directions issued by forest officials and race marshals. They were also advised not to throw waste along the route, disturb animals or damage vegetation.

Maintaining silence in forest stretches was another important instruction. Excessive noise and irresponsible behaviour can disturb wildlife, particularly in areas that form part of natural habitats.

Through these guidelines, the organisers sought to demonstrate that recreational activities can take place in natural environments without compromising ecological values.

Responsible Behaviour at the Heart of the Event

The Chandaka Green Marathon placed considerable emphasis on responsible participation.

Runners were encouraged to treat the forest landscape not simply as a race track but as a living ecosystem. Staying on designated trails, avoiding litter, protecting vegetation and respecting wildlife were presented as essential elements of the event.

The initiative highlighted a broader principle: access to nature also brings responsibility.

As outdoor sporting events become increasingly popular, organisers and participants face the challenge of balancing public engagement with environmental protection. The Chandaka Green Marathon attempted to address this balance by incorporating conservation-oriented instructions into the running experience.

The presence of forest officials and race marshals along the route helped guide participants and reinforce the prescribed environmental practices.

Students and Young Participants Join the Initiative

The event attracted enthusiastic participation from students, young people, experienced runners, nature enthusiasts and citizens from different backgrounds.

The involvement of young participants was particularly significant because environmental awareness among younger generations can play an important role in shaping future attitudes towards forests, wildlife and sustainable development.

By combining physical activity with an environmental message, the marathon provided participants with an opportunity to engage with conservation in a public and accessible manner.

The gathering also created a common platform where people with different interests could come together. For runners, it was a sporting challenge; for nature enthusiasts, it offered an opportunity to experience a forest landscape; and for the wider public, it served as an awareness programme focused on wildlife conservation.

Wildlife Week Highlights Importance of Biodiversity

The Chandaka Green Marathon formed part of the celebrations for the 72nd Wildlife Week, an initiative aimed at increasing public awareness about wildlife and biodiversity conservation.

Wildlife Week provides an opportunity to draw public attention to the importance of protecting forests, animals, plants and natural ecosystems. It also encourages communities to understand the relationship between biodiversity and human life.

Odisha, with its diverse forests, wetlands, coastal ecosystems and wildlife habitats, has significant ecological resources. Protecting these natural areas requires cooperation between government agencies, local communities, environmental groups and citizens.

Events such as the Chandaka Green Marathon can help take conservation messages beyond traditional awareness programmes by bringing them into public spaces and community activities.

Sport as a Platform for Environmental Awareness

The event demonstrated how sporting activities can be used to communicate social and environmental messages.

Running requires discipline, physical fitness and determination. Conservation similarly requires sustained commitment and responsible action. By bringing these two ideas together, the marathon created a platform through which participants could associate personal well-being with the health of the natural environment.

The organisers also sought to reinforce the idea that a greener future depends on collective responsibility. Protecting wildlife habitats cannot be achieved through isolated efforts alone. Everyday actions such as avoiding litter, respecting protected areas and supporting responsible interaction with nature can contribute to wider conservation goals.

A Message for a Greener Tomorrow

The first Chandaka Green Marathon concluded as more than a running competition. It served as a public demonstration of the connection between health, nature and wildlife conservation.

With runners moving through a forest-linked landscape and carrying messages focused on habitat protection, the event brought environmental awareness into a sporting setting.

The initiative also highlighted the importance of ensuring that people who visit or use natural areas do so responsibly. Respect for wildlife, protection of vegetation and careful management of waste are essential for maintaining the ecological character of forest landscapes.

As the 72nd Wildlife Week continues to draw attention to biodiversity and conservation, the Chandaka Green Marathon has provided an additional platform for spreading awareness among citizens, particularly students and young people.

The central message of the event remained clear: protecting natural habitats benefits wildlife while also contributing to healthier communities and a more sustainable future. The call to “Run for Nature” therefore extended beyond the marathon route, encouraging participants and citizens to carry the spirit of conservation into their everyday lives.