Ukhrul tackles plastic scourge on Earth Day
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Mamang
Ukhrul, April 22 2024:
As Ukhrul district faces an escalating plastic pollution crisis, the observance of World Earth Day provided a much-needed impetus for addressing this environmental threat.
Under this year's theme of 'Planet vs Plastic', a series of environmental-related activities were organised as a part of the day's observance at St Joseph College, Alungtang here in Ukhrul district headquarters on Monday.
The event was jointly organised by Ukhrul District Working Journalists' Association (UDWJA), Media Resource Centre (MRC) and Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, in collaboration with the Departments of Botany, Zoology and Social Work, St Joseph College.
Ukhrul PHED EE Themreishang Marei attended the event as chief guest, while other attendees included College principal Dr Rev Pervish John, vice principal Rev Sr Regin SABS, HoD Social Work Chonchui CS, HoD Zoology Dr L Khamashon, and UDWJA president Addie Chiphang and members and students.
Speaking at the event, EE Marei expressed that observance of World Earth Day should help strengthen the stand against plastic and emphasised the urgent need for collective action to mitigate this growing menace for a healthier planet and future.
Highlighting the common concern over the growing plastic scourge in the district, he stated that "while we all know the hazards and threats plastic pose to our life and environment, we are lagging in taking actions to mitigate the situation".
He informed that PHED and Small Town Committee under ADC collaborated to address waste management, sanitation, and cleanliness concerns in the town.
According to EE Marei, a representative from these departments, a comprehensive project proposal was recently submitted to the Ministry of Environment.
He said that the proposal, with an estimated budget of Rs 300 crore, outlined a multifaceted approach to waste management, including comprehensive sewage management system, safe and efficient waste disposal mechanisms and establishment of a state-of-the-art waste treatment plant.
He, however, indicated that the approval and funding of this project rest with the Ministry of Environment.
"The ministry is yet to sanction the project, which we believe will significantly improve waste management and sanitation infrastructures in the town," he added.
Marei also lauded St Joseph College for maintaining its academic campus as a plastic-free zone and advocated for expanding the exemplary initiative to other educational institutions as well as to different localities and neighbourhoods in the district.
In his keynote address, Dr Khamashon discussed the critical issue of plastic pollution in the district and called for a collective responsibility to confront this environmental crisis head-on.
On behalf of UDWJA, Chiphang extended heartfelt gratitude to Dr Brajakumar Singh, Director of Environment & Climate Change, for his instrumental support and contribution in ensuring the success of the observance.
Special thanks were also offered to the Media Resource Centre and St Joseph College for their unwavering cooperation and support.
The day featured an essay writing competition, where 35 students from St Joseph College participated and expressed their concerns and proposed solutions to the plastic problem in the context of the district.
In the essay contest, Freshyrose Rephung (BSc 1st Semester, Botany) secured first position, while Phungmingam Zingkhai (BSc 3rd Semester, Botany) and Rinmipem Pheirei (BSc 3rd Semester, Botany) got second and third positions respectively.
The winning students received certificates and cash incentives for their outstanding contributions.
In recognition of the efforts of all participants, each of the remaining 32 students was presented with a certificate of participation.
Students of SGW, St Joseph College performed a Skit which artistically depicted the detrimental effects of plastic pollution, raising awareness on protecting the planet Earth among the audience.
As a part of the observance, EE Marei also launched a cleanliness drive in the college campus.
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