State joins the World in Save Environment slogan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 05: As in other parts of the world, the World Environment Day was observed under the theme of 'CO2 Kick the habit: Toward a low Carbon economy' widely in Manipur today.

To mark the function organised under the aegis of Manipur Pollution Control Board, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh flagged off a cycle rally from Kangla here today morning.

Education Minister L Jayentakumar, Chairman of Pollution Control Board E Dwijamani, Chairman of PDA Dr Kh Loken and MLA Th Lokeshore were among the dignitaries who were present at the flagging off ceremony of the cycle rally which will proceed till Hiyangthang.

Principal Secretary of Forest and Environment PC Lawmkunga flagging off a cycle rally

On the other hand, Environment and Ecology Wing observed the World Environment Day at the museum complex of Kangla today with Principal Secretary PC Lawmkunga as chief guest.

Along with plantation of trees inside Kangla, a cycle rally was also organised to mark the occasion.

Dr H Nandiram Sharma, Dr G Tomba Sharma and Prof N Rajmohon were among the resource persons who spoke at the occasion.

In connection with the day, the Voluntary Organisation Community Environment planted 150 tree saplings at the foot hills of Langol today.

To mark the occasion Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) member Ng Nongyai has asked the Government to set up Ecological Task Force so as to protect and preserve environment and ecology of the State and create awareness on the importance of preserving ecological balance.

Speaking on the occasion of World Environment Day observance at State Guest House today, Ng Nongyai noted that everybody sees the vanishing ecological balance and the disturbance to the environment but "we are unable to devise some concrete measures to save and protect our environment".

Even if certain programmes have been initiated, there seems to be little success.

It is imperative to set up a separate directorate and work towards protecting environment.

It's time to establish ecological task force, Nongyai advocated.

The observance organised under the aegis of MHRC was graced by its chairperson Justice WA Shishak as chief guest and member RS Rajkumar as functional president.

A working session was also held in connection with the World Environment Day there.

Trees planted: On the occasion of the World Environment Day, tree saplings were planted around Imphal Polo Ground today.

The tree planted programme led by Chief Minister O Ibobi was also attended by PDA Chairman Dr Kh Loken, president of the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association S Budhachandra, president of Manipur Olympic Association E Binoykumar, DC Imphal West, CEO Imphal Municipal Council, Director Manipur Fire Service and other top ranking officials of the State Government.

Further, tree saplings were also planted in the Manipur Fire Service complex by an official team led by PDA Chairman Dr Kh Loken.

The World Environment Day was also observed at Ibudhou Pakhangba Lai Mandop at Samurou Makha Leikai today with SDO Wangoi Lourembam Bikram as chief guest, Samurou Nagar Panchayat chairperson M Shakhenbi as president and MU Chemistry Department Prof N Rajmuhon and Ukhrul Divisional Forest Officer L Joykumar as resource person and guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion as resource person, Prof N Rajmuhon said that 20 species of reptiles, 27 species of fishes, 144 species of birds and five species of amphibians have already been extinct from the earth due to ecological imbalance.

He also further informed the gathering that 741 species of mammals, 316 species of reptiles, 579 species of fishes, 2970 species of birds and 2754 species of invertebrates are still on the verge of extinction.

Remembering the theme of this years observance, 'Kick the habit towards low carbon energy', Rajmuhon emphasised on the need to plant more and more saplings to maintain oxygen-carbondioxide balance.

The programme was organised by United Rural Women and Child Development Organisation, Samurou.

Nearly 200 saplings were planted around the area in the morning in connection with the observance.