Govt depts set target to plant 10 lakh saplings
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, June 08 2019:
Forest & Environment and MAHUD Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar today stated that the departments have set a target to plant around 10 lakh saplings this year in collaboration with various stake holders during the ongoing week-long observance of World Environment Day (June 6-11) and Van Mahotsav which will be observed in July.
Minister Shyamkumar was attending a tree plantation programme held as a part of the week-long observance of the World Environment Day 2019 at the complex of the Solid Waste Management Plant, Lamdeng Khunou, Imphal West.
The tree plantation programme was organised by the Manipur Urban Development Agency (MUDA).
Addressing media persons after planting saplings, MAHUD Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar said people across the world including Manipur are reeling under the adverse impacts of global warming and climate change.
He said deforestation among other factors which adds to the destruction of the environment is highly alarming.
He said as part of conserving and protecting the environment, plantation drives are held across various places in the State.
Advising that merely planting a sapling will not help in the mission, he said one must ensure that each sapling grows and attains maturity.
Stating that the Forest Department will collaborate with NGOs, clubs, local residents in nurturing newly planted saplings, he said they will be given assistance for their service as done earlier.
Stating that the State Government is wholeheartedly committed to conserving and protecting the environment, he said that Chief Minister N Biren Singh on June 5 during the World Environment Day 2019 observance had already announced that the State Government will soon launch a campaign known as 'Green Manipur, Clean Manipur' with an objective to protect environment and combat climate change.
Under the campaign, the State Government will encourage every village of the State, both in the hills and the valley to protect or develop forest land each having an area of at least 5 to 10 acres.
The Government will install gym worth around Rs 5 lakh each at these greenery areas.
At urban and semi urban localities, which do not have such land for forest development, people will be encouraged to plant trees at their Umang Lai (Sylvan Deity) complexes.
Around 200 saplings were planted today during the tree plantation programme which was also attended by K Gyaneshwor Singh, Secretary (PDA), M Joy Singh, Commissioner (MAHUD), Th Harikumar Singh, Director (MAHUD), officials of Imphal Municipal Corporation including K Chandrakumar Singh, Municipal Commissioner (IMC), L Lokeshwor Singh, Mayor (IMC), Aribam Thaja Devi, Chairperson, Lamsang Nagar Panchayat and local job card holders of Lamsang Khunou.
Comment
