Ibobi advocates greener Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 04 2015 : Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has categorically stated that protection and sustainable use of forest resources will remain one of the main environmental and social challenges of the coming century.

He was speaking as chief guest at the 66th Vanma-hotsava 2015 function held at Maharaj Gambhir Singh Memorial Complex, Lang-thabal today under the aegis of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.

He observed that Manipur too has been experiencing all the adverse impacts of global climate change.

Natural eco-systems of the country have been put under tremendous strain and agriculture would be seriously affected.

CM Ibobi planting a tree sapling :: Pix - DIPR

Whereas underground water retention capacity has been declining, sea levels have been rising steadily and continuously.

It is feared that many coastal areas may be submerged in the next couple of decades.

Global climate change would have severe impacts on crop productivity which would be only exacerbated by water scarcity, Ibobi cautioned.

Forest belts of the planet are now passing through a critical phase.

Quoting Forest Report 2013, the Chief Minister stated that 16,990 Sq Kms or 76.10 per cent of Manipur's territory is covered by forests.

This is 21 per cent above the national average.

Nonetheless, people of the State need to plant more and more trees and join the international community's fight against global climate change.

"Vanmahotsava which is observed every year in the first week of July remind us that protection of environment and plantation of trees is one of our fundamental duties", Ibobi asserted.

He also appreciated the choice of venue for the Vanmahotsava observation.

Organising such a function in the memorial complex of a great king like Gambhir Singh is very significant.

Forest and Environment Minister Th Debendra and Langthabal A/C MLA Karam Shyam were also seated on the dais as president and guest of honour respectively.

Th Debendra spoke on the importance of conserving forests and urged people to actively participate in shouldering the responsibility to plant trees and protect forests.

Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga, PCCF Bala Prasad, senior officers and school students were also present at the Vanmahotsava observance held under the theme "My tree, my future".

Apart from distributing tree saplings to school students, the Chief Minister also released a journal.

Later, tree saplings were planted around the memorial complex.