Environment Fair on World Environment Day, was jointly organized by Sagar Block Unnayan Samity, NEWS

For the last 13 years, Sagar Block Unnayan Samity (Sagar Block Development Society) has organised the Sagar Block Paribesh Mela (Environment Fair) on World Environment Day, generating awareness of the environment and eco-friendly habits. The 13th Paribesh Mela was held at Sagar Island, Sundarban, from the 5th to the 7th of June, 2023.

The Paribesh Mela was jointly organized by Sagar Block Unnayan Samity, Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Lokmata Rani Rashmoni Mission (LRRM), Paribesh Unnayan Parishad (PUPA), Sabuj Sangha, SAFE, Sphere Edge Enterprise (SEE), Gangasar Yog Gurukulam, Sundarban Janakalyan Sangha Vidyaniketan, and Susthayi Krishi Paribar. The theme for this year’s mela was a ‘Plastic-Free Paribesh Mela’, keeping to the International World Environment Day theme of ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. Each day was inaugurated by a chief guest such as Shri Purnendu Basu, former Minister of Agriculture for the Govt. of West Bengal; Ms. Dola Sen, Member of Rajya Sabha; Dr. Saswati Sen, State Director of WWF; and Ms Ajanta Dey, Joint Secretary of NEWS. The mela had an average footfall of 3000 a day.

Each day had its own celebration. The first day was celebrated as World Environment Day, the second as World Earth Day, and the third as Biodiversity Day. Panel discussions and sessions were organized around these topics. The Paribesh Mela also celebrated natural farming and efforts to conserve and protect the environment through stalls showcasing natural farming products, recycled goods, and more! The Eco Club of Sagar Island had a stall of their own that displayed crafts made from recycled plastic, paper, and cloth. The purpose was to illustrate how to reuse materials and to encourage the use of plastic alternatives. Eco club members also performed a drama titled “Dao Firiye e Oronyo Loho E Nagar” to create awareness of the harmful effects of plastics. Another stall by Susthayi Krishi showcased and sold products of Badabon Harvest like rice, honey, paddy, jaggery, etc. Susthayi Krishi encourages farmers to go for a sustainable way of farming and reject harmful chemical fertilisers. SAFE, Sobuj Sangha, PUPA, Sagar BDO, SEE, and Sagar Mangal, women of SHG groups showcased their work and products in their respective stalls.