Need to preserve natural assets stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 05 2026: Describing Manipur as a God-gifted land comprising hills and valleys, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho has called for safeguarding the State's natural treasures.

He made the appeal on the fifth day of BRICS Sustainable Week, 2026, organised by the Department of Environment and Climate Change at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, today.

Addressing the programme, held under the theme "Say No to SingleUse Plastic", as the chief guest, Dikho, who also holds the Forest and Environment portfolio, said that Manipur is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, blessed with picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultures, colourful traditional attires and, above all, beautiful people.

He further said that God has gifted Manipur with the freshwater Loktak Lake, the Sangai and the Shirui Lily, which are found only in the State.

Stating that people should be grateful to God for taking such special care in creating the State, Dikho appealed to everyone to safeguard its hills, lakes, forests, rivers and other natural resources.

He emphasised that these priceless natural assets must never be taken for granted but preserved and cherished with gratitude and responsibility.

Dikho added that all Manipuris must work together to safeguard the State and promote peaceful coexistence.

Later, the Deputy Chief Minister administered the Mission LiFE pledge to protect the environment.

Principal Secretary (Forest, Environment and Climate Change) Arun Kumar Sinha, also appealed to the public to stop the improper disposal of solid and plastic waste to protect the environment.

Stating that the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change has been spreading public awareness on the need to stop using single-use plastic and dispose of plastic waste properly, he said local clubs, NGOs and Meira Paibi groups have an important role to play in safeguarding the environment and promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

Director of Environment and Climate Change Dr T Brajakumar said plastic waste accounts for around 15 per cent of the total waste generated in the State despite the ban on single-use plastic, adding that the situation is not a good sign.

He also said a single plastic bottle takes around 100 years to decompose and that the breakdown of plastic releases harmful substances into water and air, which can cause cancer in humans.

Stating that single-use plastic continues to be used despite the Government's ban, he appealed to everyone to refrain from using it.

The programme also featured the felicitation of waste warriors and cluster-level representatives responsible for collecting garbage from households.

Forest, Environment and Climate Change Special Secretary RK Amarjit, Joint Director Ph Vivekananda and MAHUD Secretary Somorjit Salam also attended the programme among others.

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