Only protection of Shirui Kashong can sustain life in Ukhrul Town
Source: Hueiyen News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, June 05 2015 : Shirui Kashong, the richly-endowed forest and the unique habitat of the world-famed Shirui Lily, is the only source which has been providing water to a majority of residents in Ukhrul town for years.

However, years of rampant deforestation in its immediate environs is severely depleting the volume of water from the forest.

Taking due cognizance of this gloomy scenario, the observance of World Environment Day 2015 held at the Shirui Kashong Resource Centre, Shirui Village magnificently underscored the concern that unless stringent steps are not taken to curb deforestation at the previously thick Kashong forest, life cannot sustain in the hilly township in the foreseeable future.

Observed under the theme "7 Billion Dreams � One Planet, Consume with care" the program was organized by Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) in association with the Eastern Rural Development & Welfare Service (ERDWS).

Somi Raising, Adl.

CEO, ADC Ukhrul graced the function as Chief Guest.

In his address, he advocated that each individual should be a partaker in bringing about a green revolution in the district.

Delivering the key note speech, TNL president V Weapon Zimik reiterated that climate change today is threatening life in Ukhrul district.

Driving home his point, he asserted that checking degradation of Kashong forest and the resultant water crisis is the biggest challenge for the denizens of the district.

Mentioning that the State Government has proposed to set up a National Park by occupying a large chunk of forest at Shirui Hills, Zimik pointed out that the pressing need of the local populace is not a park but an alternative means of subsistence for the locals who own private lands in the forest.

"Let Shirui village set an exemplary trend in forest conservation in the district" .

Mindless activities of human beings have caused a large-scale destruction to the natural environment across the globe, said Greenson Ruivah, Executive Director ERDWS in his theme exposition speech.

"Destruction of nature is disobedience to God because He set mankind onto this earth to tend and keep it and not to destroy it," he said by quoting a text fromthe Bible.

Revd Somi Kasomwoshi, Pastor UTBC while highlighting myriad traditional significance of Shirui Kashong, appealed to the Shirui Village headman and Village Authority to keep the magnificent forest safe from human exploitations.

TNL General Secretary Nobert Khayi also reminded the participants to exercise care in disposing rubbishes and maintain proper sanitary in the interest of promoting clean environment in the town areas.

As part of the observance, Ukhrul Forest Department undertook a tree plantation demonstration at the resource Centre campus.

Representatives from NGOs, Churches, and different departments took part in the program.

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