Bhubaneswar: The Odisha chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, Sunday chaired the first organisational meeting of ‘Odisha Mo Parivar’, a social service initiative aimed at encouraging environmental protection, blood donation and the welfare of people in distress.

The convener of Odisha Mo Paribar, Arup Patnaik, said “Odisha Mo Parivar is a non-political initiative which will work on three aspects- protection of environment, improving health care services and addressing issues of non-resident Odia people.” He said that a roadmap has been prepared to work on three verticals.

BJD MP Pinaki Misra said: “Efforts will be made stop use of plastic and open defecation from the entire State. Extensive plantation drive will also be adopted for forest regeneration in the State.”

Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, who is a member of blood donation service and welfare activities under the initiative, said, “Helping the common man will be the main aim of the programme. The initiative will work as a bridge between the State government and the people.”

Under the ‘Odisha Mo Parivar’ programme, party leaders will dedicate themselves to protect the environment and undertake extensive planting of trees, and create awareness among the public.

The meeting was attended by Kandhmal BJD MP Achyut Samant and Bhubaneswar middle MLA Anata Jena.