'Save forests' rings loud on World Environment Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 05 2012: As observed elsewhere across the planet, the World Environment Day was observed today at the State Guest House, Sanjenthong under the aegis of Manipur Pollution Control Board and National Green Crops Programme.

Addressing the function as chief guest, former Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Prof H Tombi observed that there has been great changes in the global climatic condition.

Noting that the changing climate pattern has degenerated to the extreme, H Tombi opined that one fundamental reason for the fast changing climatic situation is massive deforestation.

Stating that the people across the world have awakened to the situation and have launched extensive campaigns for re-forestation and protection of wild animals, Tombi underscored the need to check the ever-increasing number of vehicles.

Emissions from vehicles are active agents of environmental pollution just like non-degradable plastics have been polluting rivers, lakes and every place.

MPCB Member Secretary K Jagadiswor said that this year's theme "Green Economy: Does it include you ?" highlighted the need to plant more and more trees not only on World Environment Day but also on other days.

It is crucial to make all economic activities green or environment friendly, he asserted.

Lack of facilities for disposing waste materials not only pollutes environment but also breeds several kinds of diseases.

Human beings would be under serious threat if the present environmental condition is allowed to aggravate further, said Jagadiswor.

Former Principal of DM College of Science Prof G Tomba and MPCB Assistant Environment Engineer Kh Premkanta also delivered speeches in connection with the World Environment Day.

Vision Foundation, Manipur and Indo-Asean Friendship Organisation jointly observed the day under the same theme at Thaba Ingkhol at Achangbegei Awang Leikai.

The function was organised under the guidance of Environment and Ecology Wing and Central Forest Circle, Government of Manipur.

After the function students of Kangleipak Medical and Paramedical Nursing Institute led by the Chairman of Vision Foundation Kambam Seityajit planted 300 tree saplings around Thaba Ingkhol.

Meanwhile, Palm trees were planted and slogan competition, participated by 50 class XII students of North Point Higher Secondary School, held in connection with the world Environment Day observance organised by the 69 Bn CRPF at its Mantripukhri campus.

Apart from exhorting the student community to take active role in protecting the environment, DIG CRPF (Imphal) BD Das chose and rewarded slogans of four student participants.

69 Bn Commandant Rakesh kumar Singh in his brief address on the occasion attributed care and initiative by the people of Manipur for the State's weather still remaining 'wonderful' compared to scorching heat waves all over India.

The unit's Deputy CO RV Philip and the jawans joining in the tree plantation programme.

On the otherhand, troops of 30 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector planted 120 saplings at Standard English High School (Khurkhul), 28 AR of 9 Sector in collaboration with Manipur Women Foundation and Manipur State Legal Service Authority observed the Day at Thiyam Konjin village with lecture sessions on 'protection of women from domestic violence and environmental issues' and 37 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector joined tree plantation campaign at Joupi village.

On June 4, troops of 23 AR of 10 Sector planted 600 saplings at Shangshak village in connection with the global observance.

Tree plantation: The Lions Club of Leimarol Imphal organised a tree plantation cum cleanliness programme in NG College premises, Lamphelpat today in connection with the World Environment Day.

Around 100 plants and fruit bearing trees were planted on the occasion which was presided by Lion Th Bijiya, a statement issued by the Lions Club of Leimarol Imphal informed.

At the same time, Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Department of Biotechnology, Government of India undertook a tree plantation programme at the IBSD Bioresources Park, Haraorou, Imphal East today, according to a statement.

The event was participated by staff of the institute including scientists, research scholars, fellows and the village pradhan.

The World Environment Day was also observed jointly by Biodiversity Ecology and Environment Network Manipur (BEENET Manipur) and Centre for Guidance on Higher Studies today at Johnstone Higher Secondary School.

The day was also observed by staff of Krishi Bigyan Kendra-Sylvan Senapati district at its campus located at Hengbung.

According to a statement, the event was marked by tree saplings plantation campaign led by Dr Sabir Hussain Wani, Programme Coordinator where around 300 saplings were planted along with the local youth club.

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