Afforestation call rung out on Environment Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 05 2016 :
As observed across the world, the World Environment Day was observed in the State at different places today under the aegis of the State Government, NGOs and civil society organisations.
The main function was held at MFDC Auditorium, Palace Compound under the aegis of the Forest and Environment Department with Forest and Environment Minister I Hemochandra, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment) Shambhu Singh, PCCF PN Prasad and Environment Director Dr M Homeshwar as presidium members.
Speaking at the gathering, Shambhu Singh highlighted the need to protect environment, wildlife and enhance afforestation activities in order to reduce the impact of global climate change.
He said that all the people need to check hunting practices and sale of wildlife in markets particularly in hill districts.
If all the people stand united and work collectively, they can certainly hand over a healthy environment to future generations by way of protecting wildlife and conserving nature although it is a little late.
Scarcity of water experienced by people in many hill areas can be attributed to rampant deforestation activities.
Unrestrained deforestation is also responsible for flash flood during rainy seasons and scarcity of water during dry seasons in the valley, Shambhu asserted.
Hemochandra stated that protection of environment cannot be entrusted to the Government alone.
It should be the collective responsibility of both the Government and the public.
Environmental degradation can be mitigated substantially by creating mass awareness particularly among the youngsters on the need to conserve nature and protect wildlife.
He also expressed keen desire for all the people to cultivate a habit of planting trees regularly.
Enhancing afforestation activities can certainly restore ecological balance.
Later, Forest and Environment Department distributed tree saplings to many participants of the programme.
On the other hand, tree saplings were planted at different areas of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa AC in connection with the World Environment Day under the Initiative of the Youths United Mutual Bond of Initiation and social worker Soraisham Manaoton.
Manaoton said that saplings would be planted every Sunday this month at different places of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa AC.