World Environment Day observed; photo exhibition held
Development work should not affect environment at any cost: Dwijamani
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 05 2011: A seven day observation of World Environment Day organised by the Manipur Pollution Control Board commenced today at the State Guest House, Sanjenthong with MLA, E Dwijamani, Chairman, Manipur Pollution Control Board as chief guest.

MPCC member secretary, K Jagdishwar presided over the inaugural function.

Prof G Tomba, Retired Principal, DM College of Science, W Manishwor, Retired HOD, Chemistry Department, Kha Manipur College and Prof H Tombi former VC, Manipur University attended as resource persons.

MLA E Dwijamani said that the entire mankind is responsible for the degrading environment and increasing pollution in the world.

Therefore all should take an active role in protecting the environment and sustain it.

Any development work taken up should not affect the environment at any cost.

Government should stop and abort any developmental work if it affects natural environment conditions since nobody on earth can survive in a world where the environmental condition has become hostile to mankind and other species.

Citing an example of manmade pollution, he said that CM Ibobi himself supervised and carried out the cleaning of Nambul River in the past.

Unfortunately people residing on the river banks keep throwing waste material into the river.

W Manishwor said that air pollution created by the numerous vehicles being used in the world and carbon dioxide discharge from industries has been causing global warming.

Moreover Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) emitted from refrigerators are helping in damaging the ozone layer.

Harmful UV rays from sunlight reaches the earth through the depleted ozone layer causing skin cancer, cataracts and other diseases.

The depletion of the ozone layer came to be known only in 1973 in the Antarctic region of the South Pole.

The size of the hole in the layer was only about the size of a football field then.

However the size increased to about the size of the whole continent of Africa in 2000 according to scientists around the world.

With the increasing trend of global warming, huge icebergs and glaciers in the polar region and in high altitude mountainous regions have been melting continuously which will ultimately submerge Bangkok, West Bengal, Shanghai, Boston, San Francisco and various other cities in the world in due course, he said.

Outstanding Eco Clubs and DIMCs were honoured as part of the observation with certificates and cash prizes.

The Manipur Pollution Control Board will conduct emission tests and monitor noise pollution in Imphal city on June 6, monitor water quality and solid waste management on June 7, monitor bio medical waste and plastic carry bags on June 8, painting competitions and plantation of saplings on June 9 and check the water quality of Loktak Lake on June 10 as part of the observation.

Various social organisations and NGOs also observed the World Environment Day at different places of the state today.

The Action for Women and Rural Development (AWARD) today organised a seminar cum photo exhibition as part of the World Environment Day at the State Art Gallery, Palace Compound.

Photo journalist Ratan Luwangcha and ex-MP Kim Gangte who is also the president of AWARD graced the occasion as chief guest and president respectively.

Photos of photo journalist Jinendra Maibam were displayed during the exhibition.

The People's Awareness for National Advancement (PANA) also observed the World Environment Day today at Langol Laimanai under the theme "Forest: Nature and Your Service".

Former Minister Khundrakpam Jibon and PANA president Chongtham Jogamani graced the function as chief guest and president.

Th Bhogen, Junior Scientific Officer, Environment & Ecology Wing also attended the function as guest of honour.

The Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment Network Manipur and the Modern College Students' Union organised tree plantation programmes at the Manipur University Campus and Modern College Campus respectively as part of the World Environment Day Observation today.

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