Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 03:
A two day training programme on "Wasteland Development on Watershed Mode" organised by the Sylvan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hengbung under the sponsorship of the Department of Land Resources began from yesterday at the Hengbung KVK premises.
The opening function of the training programme participated by 64 trainees was attended by MLA L Jayentakumar, DC in-charge of Senapati district Ashokumar and MLA Haokholet Kipgen as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Jayentakumar highlighted the common responsibility of every citizen towards conservation of environment in today's age of globalisation.
He called for more such training programmes to make every citizen aware of nature and the importance of conserving it.
Conveying deep concern over the ecological imbalance resulting from wanton destruction of forest and other natural habitats to give space for human settlement and development projects, the MLA lamented that the country sides and hill slopes of the State which once looked green all year round today appears barren bereft of any greenery.
Observing that the drastic change in the environment is a result of wanton deforestation activities, he called upon the people to give a serious thought to conserve the environment of the State, giving up the current practice of over exploitation of natural resources, particularly forest resources.
In his presidential address, MLA Haokholet Kipgen noted that conservation and protection of environment has become a growing concern all over the world.
At such a juncture, it would be a big blunder to ignore the burning problem of environmental degradation and to continue with the unrestricted and reckless practice of deforestation in Manipur.
Despite the Supreme Court's order prohibiting lumbering and other deforestation activities in the region, timber traders in the State are cutting down a large number of trees every day continuously, noted Haokholet.
Taking strong exception to such deforestation activities, the legislator stressed on the inevitability of conserving forest areas in order to save the Manipuri nation.
Later, programme co-ordinator of KVK Dr RK Imotomba spoke on "Concept of Wasteland Management", Kh Nodia on "Horticultural Development", programme assistant A Brojendro on "Agro-Forestry Model in Wasteland Development" while Dr N Muhindro dealt on the topic "Pasture Development and Animal Husbandry".
As a part of the training programme, tree saplings were also planted inside the KVK premises.