Maram students at the forefront of Go Green Mission
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 19 2011:
With a view to create necessary awareness among the public about the issue of global warming for effective counter measures, Maralui Karalimei Swijoikang (MKS) or the Maram Students' Union has kick-started phase III of its annual programme Go Green Mission.
The three day long campaign was launched today at Senapati Hqs Indoor Stadium by Senapati Deputy Commissioner PK Jha.
In addition to PK Jha, MKS president Pungdi P Celestine, DFO Senapati Kh Ibohal and Maram Women Union president P Kinalucy were also present at the launching function as presidium members.
The function organised by MKS in collaboration with the district administration and the District Forest Officer was also attended by village chiefs, leaders of different civil society organisations and church leaders.
A memento produced by MKS to mark its Go Green Mission III was released by chief guest PK Jha.
This was followed by plantation of saplings at Senapati Hqs public ground.
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Talking about the campaign and its underlying objectives, MKS president Pungdi P Celestine said that the impact of continuous deforestation by man are being endured by all living beings.
As a result of continuous deforestation by mankind and the resultant impacts on nature, droughts, floods, landslides, global warming and decline in agricultural productivity have become serious issues.
Likewise, productivity of indigenous crops is also declining at an alarming rate.
Taking all these into account, the MKS launched the Go Green Mission with a long term vision to save the environment, Pungdi P Celestine said.
During the three day long campaign, tree saplings would be planted in all schools and colleges under the jurisdiction of MKS as well as on the sides of NH 39 .
Moreover, awareness programmes about the degrading environment and means to save it would be organised in the course of the campaign, he said.
PK Jha said that any effort to protect environment should be a collective responsibility.
Lauding the campaign as quite timely and purposeful, Jha asserted that one and all should cooperate with the MKS and their campaign.
He exhorted that alternative materials should be explored for building houses and luxury items instead of engaging in lumbering for the same purpose.
Maram Women Union president P Kinalucy noted that Senapati district has been facing difficulties of land-slide since the recent past due to rampant deforestation.
DFO Senapati Kh Ibohal said the Government has been observing Vanmahotsav every year with a view to keep the nature given climatic conditions unchanged.
He said that the department has set a target of planting 1.20 lakh saplings of 10 different tree species during Vanmahotsav this year.
The MKS also distributed tree saplings to students for plantation in their respective schools/colleges.