Patna: In a strong message of environmental urgency and collective responsibility, the National Dolphin Research Center (NDRC) in Patna marked Earth Day with a tree plantation campaign and a series of lectures urging global cooperation and ecological stewardship on Tuesday.
Held at the NDRC campus along the Law College Ghat and functioning under Bihar’s Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the programme brought together scientists, academics, and officials to echo this year’s Earth Day theme: Our Power, Our Planet.
The initiative began with the planting of various fruit-bearing trees across the campus — a symbolic gesture aimed at providing sustenance for future generations. “We’re planting for tomorrow,” said an organiser. “These trees are a gift for the children yet to come.”
“The world is playing with dangers”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Gopal Sharma, Interim Director of the NDRC and widely known for his river dolphin conservation work, issued a stark warning about geopolitical tensions and ecological neglect.
“Humanity holds immense power today,” Sharma said. “But instead of using it to safeguard the planet, we’re turning it against each other. The threat of global conflict looms larger than ever. We must reject this path and channel our strength towards environmental harmony.”
He stressed that Earth’s safety lies not in military might but in ecological balance, calling on nations to abandon thoughts of nuclear escalation and focus on collaborative sustainability.
Oxygen, trees, and the ICU metaphor
Dr Satyendra Kumar, Head of Zoology at S.N. College, Hajipur, highlighted the essential role of trees in human survival. “You only understand the value of oxygen when you’re gasping for it in an ICU,” he remarked. “Every tree we plant is a breath of life — plant one, save a hundred lives.”
His call was echoed by Prof GB Chand of Patna University, who said that protecting the planet is not optional, but a collective obligation. “We’ve depleted Earth’s resources for decades. The time to reverse this trend is now. Every citizen must play a role — not just scientists or forest officials.”
On the ground: commitment from the frontlines
Pradeep Kumar, a forest guard stationed at the research centre, offered a field-level perspective. “The threats are real and growing. As forest personnel, our duty is to respond directly — planting trees, restoring green cover, and ensuring the safety of our future generations,” he said.
