World Environment Day widely observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 05 2013: As observed in other parts of the globe to commemorate the landmark UN Convention on Environment held at Stockholm in 1972, World Environment Day was widely observed in the State today with various organisations joining in the effort to save the environment from further degradation.

The Directorate of Environment and Ecology, Government of Manipur organized the World Environment Day at the auditorium of MFDC, Palace Compound with the Commissioner of YAS and Art and Culture Dr RK Nimai as Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Nimai said that the environment can be protected only when the people are aware of the ill consequences of environmental degradation.

Mass awareness is required to sensitize the people on environmental issues.

The environment has to be changed with increase in population marked by rapid development and urbanization, but it has to be controlled with all means so as to make life sustain on this planet for much longer period, Nimai noted.

The observance was also attended by Director of Environment and Ecology Dr M Homeshwar, Director of Academic Staff College Dr RK Ranjan and former Principal of DM College Dr G Tomba Sharma.

Dr Ranjan maintained that the ancient Kings of the State had taken much interest in preserving the environment.

People of the present generation should also strive to control environmental degradations and make life on this planet sustainable.

Various local clubs and organizations also observed the World Environment Day in different places of the State.

All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen's Union Manipur (ALLAFUM); Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE); Human to Human Trans-Culture for Trauma Torture Victims (H2H) and Life Watch jointly organised 'World Environment Day' at Langolsabi area of Loktak Lake today.

During the observance, representatives of the organisations, who have addressed the gathering, strongly condemned removal of c Phumdi (floating biomasses) and eviction of fishermen's huts by authorities of LDA.

Speakers like N Thanil, Secretary of Life Watch and N Pamei, Co-Convenor of CORE observed that activities of LDA and Ithai Barrage are directly responsible for the degrading ecosystem of Loktak Lake, and they also alleged LDA of violating human rights for fishermen of the lake during its forceful eviction drive.

While informing that a human rights team led by Chairman of National Human Rights Commission would visit the state and Loktak lake from 18-20 June, 2013, Pamei urged the fishermen of the area to fight for their rights and protection of the lake from the hands of greedy and merciless government authorities.

Oinam Rajen, Secretary of ALLAFUM.

said that for fishermen of the area, safeguarding the lake from illegal activities is also the protection of environment.

Global Science Club, Khoijuman has also observed 'World Environment Day' under the theme of 'Think, Eat, Save' at the complex of Yangoiningthou Haraopham, Khoijuman bazaar, Bishnupur district today.

Dr I Ibohalbi Singh, MLA of Oinam AC; Dr Kh Ibohalbi Singh, Asst.

Prof.CI College Bishnupur; Thiyam Dilip Meetei, Member of Nachou Zilla Parishad; all the Members Khoijuman-Kwasiphai Gram Panchyat and RK Ranjan, Director CDC Manipur University participated in the observance.

Plantation of nursery plants in and around Khoijuman bazaar and talks on environmental issues were the main highlights of the observance. Bio-diversity, Ecology and Environment Network (BEE NET) and Centre for Guidance and Higher Studies also observed the World Environment Day.

As part of the observance, Manipur Pollution Control Board; PRDA and 69 Bn CRPF organised tree plantation programmes.

69 Bn CRPF organised the tree plantation at its Chilchil camp during in 200 samplings were planted.

Jananeta Irawat Charitable Trust has also started its World Environment Day which would go on for one month.

During the month-long observance, various activities like tree plantation, seminar, symposium, awareness, exhibition of books and booklets on environment at Jananeta Irawat People's Museum, Santipur; Eco-Green Park, Ishikha; Workers Education Centre, Pong Lambi; Jananeta Irawat Charitable Trust office, Porompat; Social Science Study Centre, Moreh and Manipur Sahitya Parisad Office Complex, Lakhimpur, Assam would be held.

In connection with World Environment Day, Centre for Research on Environmental Development (CRED) organised a social service cum awareness campaign in and around Singjamei Super Market today.

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