Go-Green message rings out loud and clear
Need for conserving environment in our own little way stressed
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 05 2012: Recognizing the need to preserve the environment in whatever way we can, various social organizations in the state joined hands with international community in observing World Environment Day to ring out the message of Go Green all over the state today.

The main observance function at the state level was held under the aegis of Directorate of Environment, Government of Manipur under the theme "Green Economy: Does it include YOU?" at Kangla Hall here today.

The function was graced by VK Thakral, IAS, Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of Manipur and Dr RK Nimai, IAS, Secretary to Gpvernor and Commissioner, Arts and Culture, Government of Manipur as Chief Guest and President respectively.

Prof W Nabakumar, Dean of School of Human and Environment, Manipur University and Prof RK Ranjan, Director of College Development Council, Manipur University were also present as resource persons.

Speaking on the occasion, VK Thakral said that the role of the government towards conservation and protection of natural resources like water, air and forest, etc, is to come up with specific rules and regulations and it is the people who should play the main role in the protection and conservation of the environment.

He pointed out that there are various areas where the government cannot come out successfully in preserving the environment but an individual can.

Fishermen in their traditional fishing boats participating in the 'Save Environment Campaign' organised by All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen�s Union Manipur at Loktak lake in connection with World Environment Day, 2012.

So, if every individual contribute to their cause in their own respective way, conservation and protection of environment will be successful.

Delivering the Presidential address, RK Nimai noted that cutting down of trees may not be the only reason for global warming.

There have been various instances where the temperature of the earth rose or fall down considerably.

This may be due to the changes in the overall condition of the earth.

RK Nimai contended that we cannot come to the conclusion that whatever the scientists say or come up in their findings is cent percent true.

Scientists, who are made to work by certain companies sometimes, come up with certain findings which are to the benefit of the company.

There was an instance in which a Scientist working for a Indian company producing diesel motors declaring that diesel vehicles does less harm to the environment than petrol vehicles.

Later, when the same scientist was taken over by Indian government, he came up with a new finding saying that diesel vehicles do more harm to the environment than petrol vehicles, he pointed out.

RK Ranjan observed that continuous rain for two days in the state leads to flood.

This clearly indicates that the forest areas in the state are less than 30% of the whole area of the state.

He further observed that the natural resources we are using at present are not our own property but the property of our future generations.

As such, we should use available natural resources judiciously.

The World Environment Day was also observed by Women's Environmental Protection Force (WEPF), Manipur and Bhaktivedanta Institute Mission Higher Secondary School at ISKON temple along with plantation of trees to mark the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Th Sobita, Founder Secretary of WEPF said that the function has been organized in the campus of ISKON temple with plantation of trees because the authority of ISKON has promised to safeguard and look after the trees.

On the other hand, Manipur Pollution Control Board observed the World Environment Day at State Guest House, Sajenthong with Prof H Tombi, former VC, MU; K Jagadishwor Sharma, Member Secretary of Manipur Pollution Control Board and Prof G Tomba Sharma, ex-Principal, DM College of Science as as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

Senior Citizen for Society, Manipur also joined hands with Manipur State Shumang Leela Council in observing World Environment Day along with a function at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen at Palace Compound.

Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam attended the function as chief guest.

The Vision Foundation Manipur and Indo Asean Friendship Organisation Manipur; People's Resource Development Association; Oriental College along with Women's Environmental protection Force (WEPF) Manipur; Jananeta Irawat Memorial Trust also observed the World Environment Day today.