Save environment call echoes through
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 05 2009: Water festival, rally, tree plantation and distribution of leaflets on saving oil marked the World Environment Day observed under the theme of 'Your Planet Needs You ! Unite to combat climate change' in different parts of the State today.

The main function was held at Kangla here under the aegis of Environment and Ecology Wing of the Government of Manipur during which Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led his Council of Ministers and other Government officials including Forest and Environment Minister Th Debendra, Works Minister K Ranjit, IFC Minister N Biren, Principal Secretary AN Jha and Commissioner of Art and Culture P Bharat in planting tree saplings along the path of the garden being developed newly inside Kangla.

CM planting a sapling at Kangla and a campaign to save Loktak on Environment Day

Later addressing the function as chief guest at Kangla Hall, Ibobi said that it is high time to join hands in combating environmental degradation being witnessed all around today.

Speaking of the commitment of the Government of Manipur to protect the environment, Ibobi said that plantation of trees in and around Imphal under its Green City Mission has been launched since last year.

If each individual plant at least one tree in a year in Manipur which has a total population of 25 lakh people, then there would be improvement in the environment and climatic condition of the State at least to some extent, the Chief Minister said, adding that as a policy, the State Government has also initiated tree plantation programme at the District level offices and educational institutions.

Expressing grave concern over the encroachment on reserved and protected forest areas, the Chief Minister said such encroachers may be evicted any time but it has not been done so far on humanitarian ground.

In the event of their eviction, these encroachers would not be able to do anything even if they approach the court as there is already a Supreme Court directive in this regard, he added.

He also noted that if bush fire and the destructive practice of jhum cultivation that has led to erosion of soil in the hill areas could be stopped then trees and other vegetation would replenish themselves.

On preservation of the dwindling wetlands in the State, the Chief Minister said steps have been taken up for preservation of Lamphelpat along with development of a water body.

The State Government is also planning for the extension of the existing Indira Park after the present Assembly complex has been shifted to Chingmeirong where construction work is underway, the Chief Minister informed the gathering, adding that in view of congestion and increase in pollution level in Imphal, Johnstone School would also be relocated to a suitable site so that BT Park could be extended.

The World Environment Day observance came to full force at Regional Water Sports Complex, Sendra where Loktak Water Festival which would go on for three days has been inaugurated along with various competitions like boat race, swimming, fishing, Heikrak Khonba, Longthrei Khonba, fishermen's dances and other water sports.

Under the banner of 'Save Loktak, Save Our Life.

Lets make Loktak Lake a prime tourist attraction, the unique festival is being organised by Loktak Development Authority (LDA) in association with Loktak Lake Fishermen Welfare Society, Thanga Chinglak Bazar.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and his Council of Ministers attended the inaugural function of the festival and planted trees around Sendra Tourist Centre.

Inaugurating the festival as chief guest, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh observed that Loktak lake is among the surviving natural wetlands in Manipur and others have extinct before any conservation efforts could be made.

Though Loktak is being recognised as not only the largest fresh water lake but also an important source of water not only in the Northeast region but also in the entire country, lack of proper maintenance has led to degradation of this lake which could become the main attraction of the tourists.

So besides the efforts being made by the Government, people should also chip in to save the lake.

Maintaining that tourism is the biggest industry in the world, the Chief Minister said Manipur has been blessed with various tourist spots and it is the wish of the Government to develop all these tourist spots.

Among various measures that have been initiated in this regard, Planning Commission has earmarked adequate fund under Integrated Management of Loktak Lake for development of the road connecting the Moirang Bazar and Sendra into four-lane and setting up of Takmu Fish Farm and Regional Water Sports Complex.

He also appealed to the people not to encroach upon the land area, cause disturbance in the developmental process but help in maintaining tourist friendly environment.

Speaking of law and order in the State, the Chief Minister acknowledged that now a stage has come in which the common people cannot live in peace as a consequence of the activities of the unlawful elements.

The State Government would not compromise with these destructive elements at any cost and the public should support the Government in this regard, the Chief Minister said.

PHE, Tourism and IPR TN Haokip presided over the function which was also attended Chief Whip of SPF Government MLA T Mangibabu, Works Minister K Ranjit, IFC Minister N Biren, Fisheries Minister Md Allauddin Khan and MLA of Moirang A/C M Prithiviraj as guests of honour.

At Manipur Press Club, the World Environment Day was observed under the aegis of Environment and Human Development, Manipur with Sahitya Akademi awardee in literature for 2008 Dr Arambam Memchoubi as chief guest, chairman of Environment and Human Development, Manipur Dr RK Ranjan as president and general secretary of Manipur Science and Communication Association L Somorjit as guest of honour.

Speaking at the occasion, Memchoubi observed that most of the people do not make any conscious attempt to understand their relationship with the environment and this mindset should be changed.

RK Ranjan said that the global challenge of climate change can be faced only when there is awareness among all the people.

Creations Society for Handicrafts and Goodwill and the Modern Youth Club, Leimakhongmapal jointly observed the Day at Leimakhongmapal in Imphal East.

Tree plantation, distribution of saplings and leaflets to spread awareness on the need to preserve the environment were the main highlight of the observance.

Attending the observance as chief guest, Rural Development Minister Md Allauddin Khan noted that change in the environment and climatic condition has led to global warming.

Deputy Commissioner of Imphal East Lashmikumar, SP of Imphal East Th Radheshyam and Pradhan of Tellou, Chana and Seijang Gram Panchayat S Subita were also present at the occasion.

Indian Oil Corporation, Imphal Divisional Office observed the day at BB & Co, Sangaiprou along with distribution of leaflets on saving oil among the customers.

Friends Reunion for Development observed the day at its Keishamthong Longjam Leirak head office.

The president of the organisation Laishram Chaoba presided over the function.

Manipur State Pollution Control Board also joined hands with Nongthang XS-E Bike and Hueiyen Lanpao daily in observing World Environment Day at the conference hall of State Guest House, Sanjenthong along with introduction of battery bike by XS Manager.

Science Teachers' Forum, Manipur; Jananeta Irabot Charitable Trust, Manipur; Royal Riders, Manipur; United Rural Women and Child Development Organisation (Samurou); Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Manipur; People's Resource Development Association, Bishnupur; Socio Economic & Environment Development Organisation, Takyel; Social Volunteers' Association, Imphal; The Public Club, Khurai Top Khongnang Makhong, etc also observed the World Environment Day along with organising various programmes.