World Earth Day : Need for safeguarding environment underscored
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Bishnupur/CCPur/Ukhrul, April 22 2024: World Earth Day was observed widely on the theme 'Planet vs Plastics' highlighting the grave issue of plastic pollution in the earth and the need for making collective efforts to strive for a plastic free earth.

In commemoration of World Earth Day, the Indian Army in collaboration with Bishnupur Forest Division undertook a concerted effort to promote environmental sustainability and combat the menace of single-use plastics in Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts.

The initiative, organised in collaboration with local communities, aimed to foster a greener, cleaner future while raising awareness about the critical importance of preserving the planet's ecosystem, said a press release by the Indian Army.

Soldiers from the 2 Mahar Regiment under the aegis of Senapati Brigade/Red Shield Division of Indian Army, along with volunteers from the surrounding areas, converged in the Siden, Saiton and Kumbi clusters to plant trees and spearhead initiatives to reduce the usage of single use plastics.

In line with the above initiatives, an awareness programme to avoid single use plastic and a plantation programme was held at BK Golden Academy Kumbi today.

The event was graced by Commander Senapati Brigade Brigadier AA Ukidwe; Deputy Conservator of Forest Park and Sanctuary Vikram Suresh Nadhe, IFS; 2nd Mahar Regiment Commanding Officer Colonel Balraj Poonia and founder secretary of BK Golden Academy N Birkumar as the presidium members.

Speaking at the event, Brigadier AA Ukidwe stressed on the need of planting more trees and nurturing them properly to maintain the ecological balance.

Recognizing the urgent need to address environmental challenges, the campaign underscored the Army's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

The Indian Army emphasized the significance of collective action in safeguarding the environment, stating "Our planet is facing unprecedented environmental threats, and it is imperative that we join hands to protect and preserve our natural resources.

Through this tree plantation and single-use plastics elimination drive, we seek to inspire individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices that will benefit future generations".

The day-long event witnessed enthusiastic participation from locals, who enthusiastically joined forces with the Indian Army to plant saplings and spread awareness about the detrimental effects of single-use plastics on the environment.

Educational sessions and interactive workshops were also conducted to empower community members with the knowledge and tools needed to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles.

As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, initiatives like these are a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformational power of collective action in mitigation of environmental degradation.

The Indian Army remains steadfast in its commitment of promoting environmental sustainability and fostering harmony between humanity and nature.

The Indian Army conducted an awareness camp at Jalglenphai of Churachandpur district today participated by villagers from nearby villages of Sadar Joute, T Mongbung, Manamjang and Khoripok also.

In addition to the importance of adopting a green lifestyle supportive of the environment, the villagers were informed about the ill effects of plastic use and ways to reduce, reuse and recycle waste.

The awareness campaign was followed by a tree plantation drive.

Similarly, an awareness lecture and a tree plantation drive in Moreh in which students from S Moljol Junior High School and children from Agape Children's Home, T Yangnom participated.

The lecture aimed at creating awareness among the students on issues of global warming and deforestation.

Thereafter, a tree plantation drive was conducted wherein both the Indian Army personnel and the children planted trees together, said a statement by the Assam Rifles.

Ukhrul

The Ukhrul District Working Journalists Association (UDWJA) in collaboration with the Department of Botany, Zoology and Social work of St Joseph College, Ukhrul observed the Earth Day at the auditorium of the college.

The observance was held under the sponsorship of the Media Resource Centre, Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur.

Speaking as the chief guest, Themreishang Marei, Executive Engineer (EE) PHED stressed on the importance of the Central Government ambitious programme of Clean India (Swachh Bharat) aiming for a pollution free environment.

He maintained that the Earth Day is observed to raise awareness among all the need of safeguarding the mother earth and preserving the environment.

Dr L Khamashon, Head of the Department of Zoology while delivering the keynote address underscored the need to phase out single use plastics considering its adverse impacts on the environment and health risks to all living beings.

As a part of the programme, the BSW students of St Joseph College performed a skit on 'Let us restore our planet earth' based on the theme of making concerted efforts to reduce plastic usage.

It is worth noting that the chief guest launched the cleanliness drive in the college The observance programme was also attended by Vice Principal of the college Rev Sister Rengi; Head of the Department of Sociology, Chonchui CS and students of the college.

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