Delighted to see own statue at Olympian Park: Kunjarani
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 20 2025: After more than two years since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, people from the valley entered Olympian Park at Sangaithel in Imphal West district on Sunday and planted around 500 saplings of different varieties.

The tree plantation drive at Olympian Park was jointly conducted by Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM), Directorate of Environment & Climate Change and Socio Economic & Environment Development Society (SEEDS) in coordination with 9 Sector Assam Rifles, 189 Bn CRPF and Venture Construction Company Limited.

Delighted to see own statue at Olympian Park: Kunjarani

CRPF commandant Padmashri N Kunjarani Devi, who took part in the plantation drive, told media persons that she had long been dreaming of reaching the place where her statue is installed with the dream realised on Sunday.

Expressing that reaching Olympian Park was one of her happiest moments in life and planting sapling at the park even more satisfying, she appreciated EGM and SEEDS for giving her the opportunity to reach Olympian Park and plant a sapling.

According to N Kunjarani, it is only in Manipur that a park for Olympians have been developed properly with statues.

Due to the violence in Manipur since 2023, Meeteis are still unable to visit the park and this indeed is worrisome, she said, and expressed hope that normalcy will return soon as the government is making maximum effort to bring peace and harmony.

The tree plantation drive was also attended by Brigadier A Boral of 9 Sector AR, 33 AR commandant Radhakrishnan, 86Bn CRPF second-in-command Nandini, CPRF group centre Langjing deputy commandant Somorani, EGM president Khogendra Khomdram and general secretary Y Rupachandra, AMWJU president A Bhakta and general secretary Kh Naoba, editors and journalists of different media houses, representatives of environment directorate and officials of Venture Construction Company Limited.

Meanwhile, a PRO IGAR (S) release informed that primary objectives of the initiative were to enhance the local green cover, raise environmental awareness and contribute to the region's long-term ecological sustainability.

A total of 200 saplings were planted across designated areas, reinforcing the commitment to restoring and preserving the natural environment.

The programme also featured informative talks highlighting the importance of trees in maintaining ecological balance and combating climate change.

The event not only promoted environmental stewardship but also fostered unity and a common sense of purpose among participants, galvanising efforts to safeguard nature for future generations, said the PRO .