Ukhrul wakes up to environmental ills
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, June 05 2014:
Rise in temperature, water scarcity and change in rainfall pattern pricked conscience of the people of Ukhrul district about environment destruction caused by rampant defores-tation and this was evident on the world environment day being observed at various levels across the district.
Churches of Ukhrul town also joined the campaign against the environmental degradation with a message to honor the God's beautiful creation.
Today in Ukhrul town, World Environment Day was observed at three different places.
The Ukhrul Divisional Forest office organized a tree plantation programme at Sacred Heart Hr.
Secondary School, Hundung.
The parish priest Fr.Mario invoked a special prayer to begin the day with blessing.
The DFO, Ukhrul Manglem speaking at the occasion, said that the department is already in the process of extensive tree plantation in Ukhrul district.
More than one lakh saplings have been procured for this year, but the problem is people's low awareness level about the Joint Forest Management programme which is primarily aimed at ensuring better link between the department and the villagers.
Street play ( Shumang Leela) which centred on the themes of environmental degradation and need for forest conservation and preservation was also staged.
While the Principal SHHS Fr.Shaji expressed gratitude to Ukhrul Divisional Forest office, chose for observation of World Environment Day at his school.
Meanwhile the likeminded group of Ukhrul Town Forum for Change organized a mammoth tree plantation drive.
More than 7000 saplings were planted in Ukhrul town.
Deputy Commissioner M.H.Arvind flagged off a bike rally from Town hall, Ukhrul to mark the occasion.
He pointed out the urgent need to check wanton felling of trees, which according to him accounted for 79 per cent of environmental degradation in the district.
Ashok Tipnis exhorted the gathering to plant more trees and ensure them to grow.
He also dwelt on the topic of "Small Island Developing States (SIDS) .
The Tangkhul student body (TKS) observed the World Environment Day at TTA hall, Hamleikhong Ukhrul.