Despite development taking place in the society, the present generation could not protect and preserve the natural resources of the state like the ancestors did, said principal chief conservator of Forest department K Angami on Thursday. He was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of the media campaign held under the theme ‘Know Your Sanctuaries and Wetlands’, organised by the All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) at Manipur Press Club.
Attending the function as chief guest, K Angami said that the state is bestowed with enough natural resources but they are depleting fast. The main reason behind the gradual degradation of natural resources is the failure to protect and preserve them properly by the present generation.
“Although the society has been witnessing development at a fast pace, the present generation has miserably failed in conserving the forest and environment. On the contrary, our ancestors gave more and better efforts in protecting the natural resources. The time has arrived that each one of us lends a hand in preservation, protection and promotion of forest and environment. Otherwise, the society will not survive,” he said while appealing to the people of the state to come forward in conserving the natural resources for the sake of the future generation.
He also appreciated the AMWJU for organising the one-month media campaign under the theme ‘Know Your Sanctuaries and Wetlands’. He stated that such a campaign by the media would help in disseminating information about the present status of natural resources of the state which every citizen needs to know in order to inculcate a sense of valuing the natural resources.
The prizes were given in three categories such as best print media reporting, best video news report and best photography.
In best print media reporting prizes, Shijagurumayum Saratchandra of Sangai Express bagged first position, Phurailatpam Keny Devi of Imphal Free Press stood second and Nando Waikhom for Sangai Express bagged third position.
In best video news report, Khumanthem Gentle and M Ojit Singh of TOM TV bagged first position, Kharibam Yaiphaba and Potshangbam Sharatchandra of TOM TV stood second and Khundrakpam Jotindro and Irom Mocha of Impact TV bagged third prize.
In the best photography competition, Robinson Wahengbam of Sanaleibak stood first, Sh Ajit of Imphal Times and Laishram Ranbir of Morning Bell stood second and third position respectively.
Joint director, Directorate of Environment and Climate Change Tourangbam Brajakumar; president Editors’ Guild Manipur Khogendro Khomdram and president, AMWJU Bijoy Kakchingtabam attended as guests of honour and president respectively.
It may be mentioned that Chief Minister N Biren Singh flagged off the month long ‘Know Your Sanctuaries and Wetlands’ media campaign at Manipur Press Club on January 31.
The campaign is being organised by AMWJU in collaboration with department of Forest and directorate of Environment and Climate Change.
