Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 10:
Over 6000 fruit bearing saplings were planted in connection with the Van Mahotsav observation organised by the 20 Assam Rifles at Chandel district areas today.
The observance was formally launched at the Maha Union Public School, Chandel by the DIG 26 Sector Assam rifles Brig Balbir Singh and Deputy Commissioner of the district N Ashok Kumar.
The district's SP, SDO and DFO as well as Joint Director (ICAR, Imphal) N Prakash and district level officials were present at the occasion.
Moreover, presentation of cultural items by troupes of Tarao Naga from Bongyang village and participation by students of Maha union Public School, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and representatives of NGOs made the occasion even more significant and colourful.
Fruit bearing saplings planted today in commemoration of the annual observation included guava, papaya, jackfruit, orange, coffee and lemon varieties.
The plantation covered Chandel district headquarters, Machi, Pallel, Bongyang and Lorrong areas.
In his address, the DIG exhorted the children to come ahead and secure the future not only for themselves but also for the future generations.
Expressing that actual hard work starts from the plantation period, Brig Balbir urged all concerned to ensure survival and subsequent nurturing of the saplings.
Apart from the children pledging to replenish green cover of the district and turn Chandel into a 'Green Zone', copies of an information booklet were also distributed during the event to create awareness amongst the youth about harmful effects of deforestation as well as benefits of tree plantation.
The function ended with the distribution of prizes to the cultural troupe members by Mrs Balbir Singh.