'Participation of youth necessary for forest conservation'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 19 2025: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) & Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Anurag Bajpai has called for enhanced participation of youths in forest conservation during the celebration of International Day of Forests organised by the Manipur Forest Department today.

The Manipur Forest Department collaborated with local schools and environmental organizations to conduct a school rally from Kangla Fort to Palace Compound today to commemorate the International Day of Forests, said a press release issued by Vikram Suresh Nadhe, EFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division.

The rally passed through key locations in the city and culminated at Palace Compound, where a concluding ceremony was held.

Hundreds of enthusiastic students from various schools across Imphal participated in the rally, carrying placards and banners with messages such as "Save Forests, Save Future", "Plant Trees, Save Lives", and "Forests: Our Earth's Lungs".

The students also chanted slogans advocating afforestation, wildlife protection, and sustainable development, drawing the attention of local residents and spreading the message of environmental responsibility.

Speaking at the event, Anurag Bajpai, who is also the Additional Chief Secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industries and TA & Hills), emphasized the urgent need to protect forests to combat climate change, prevent soil erosion, and maintain ecological balance.

"Through this rally, we aim to instil a sense of responsibility in our youth and encourage them to take active roles in conservation efforts," he stated.

Other senior officials present at the event included RK Amarjit Singh, Conservator, Central Circle; Sanajaoba Khuraijam, Conservator, Southern Circle; Rajkumar Mayanglambam, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West; Wungrin Maulie, DFO, Soil & Moisture Conservation Division; Y Kunje Singh, DFO, Social Forestry and Vikram Suresh Nadhe, Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division.

Each of them highlighted different aspects of forest conservation, from the need for community involvement to the Government's ongoing initiatives for afforestation, sustainable forest management and wildlife conservation in Manipur.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the crucial role forests play in sustaining life on Earth and to inspire young minds to become active participants in environmental conservation.

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