Biswajit bats for forest conservation
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, August 05 2019:
Textiles, Commerce & Industries Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh led a mass tree plantation drive inside the premises of Manipur Trade & Expo Centre located at Lamboikhongnangkhong this morning.
More than 500 tree saplings were planted today by officials, staff of the department and entrepreneurs.
Addressing media persons, the Minister stated that the mass plantation programme is a part of the Central Government programme of Mission Green India which is aimed at creating awareness among the people for conservation and preservation of forests.
Biswajit also emphasised that the programme is a continuation of Van Mahotsav, the annual tree planting festival.
The programme is envisaged to make a greener Manipur and greener India and help mitigate the impact of climate change which is being painfully experienced by the people of the State.
The State is facing unnatural frequent floods and drought like situation as a result of global warming which is a cause of concern for all citizens, said the Minister.
Biswajit said trees contribute to regulating river flow both during dry seasons and wet seasons, thereby minimising risks related to water scarcity and floods.
He opined that different varieties of fruit bearing and shade providing trees will be planted inside the campus.
He urged all the officials and staff of the department to take equal responsibility in nurturing the plants till they attain maturity.
The Minister reiterated that the forest conservation is not the sole responsibility of the officials of Forest and Environment.
The officials of Textiles, Commerce & Industries also need to play an active role in the forest conservation efforts.
He cited that active involvement of various departments, entrepreneurs, NGOs, CSOs is needed for conserving forest.
He also highlighted the importance of planting Agar and Redwood tree in the State, as these tree variety are suitable to the climatic conditions of the State.
The Agar and Redwood trees are resourceful trees which can also be a profitable source of income.
The Minister also instructed General Mangers of district headquarters to carry out similar activities in future.
The mass tree plantation organised by Department of Textiles, Commerce & Industries was participated by Principal Secretary P Vaiphei, Director C Arthur, officials of MSME and members of All Manipur Entrepreneurs Association.