As observed across the world, the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change observed World Environment Day under the theme ‘Ecosystem Restoration with state-level media fellow recipients on Climate Change Reporting Phase-II 2021-2022’ on Saturday.
The observation ceremony was held online in the form of a web discussion.
Delivering his keynote address under the theme “Ecosystem Restoration: Linking to the Water Resources in Manipur,” joint director, environment and climate change, Manipur T Brajakumar said that since 1972, World Environment Day has been observed under various themes.
However, the theme of this year’s observation ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ is more apt since it reflects the harm done by humans to the environment and its ecosystem along with the need for change and correction in rejuvenating the environment, he said. To conserve the environment and its ecosystem, there is the need of maintaining a harmonious interrelationship between living things and non-living things, he added.
In the context of Manipur and degradation of the environment, T Brajakumar said that the experts are predicting that despite the state having enough rainfall, there will be scarcity of water for both irrigation and drinking purposes. “This shows that the state will encounter both drought-like situation during the lean session and flood-like situation in the rainy season,” he informed, stating that each and everyone should take equal responsibility in conserving rainwater and preventing deforestation.
As a part of the event, honorary member of Indigenous Territories and Community Conservation Areas, Consortium Salam Rajesh; The Sangai Express editor Khogendro Khomdram; FPSJ Review of Arts and Culture editor Pradip Phanjoubam; and advisor to chief minister Irengbam Arun also expressed their views and observations in connection with the media reports filed by the state level media fellow recipients on Climate Change Reporting.
In Ukhrul, Chingjaroi khullen youth organisation observed the occasion by planting various types of cherry saplings at their village in the north of Ukhrul district on Saturday.
(PHOTO: IFP)
The youths numbering 116, as per the registration, turned up for the World Environment Day organised by the Chingjaroi Khullen Youth Organisation.
A total number of 750 saplings were planted in the premises of the village. The day was also observed under the banner of Volunteer for Village Development (VVD) an Ukhrul based NGO working in the area, as they provided all the saplings.
The team observed all the SOPs while dedicating their energy for the cause of ‘greener village, greener world’. “The world needs our contribution in making our mother earth once again a better world for this and the future generation,” Roviso Enoch, Youth president Chingjaroi Khullen said.
Meanwhile, several village youth clubs in Kangpokpi district embarked on the drive for plantation of tree saplings in collaboration with Kangpokpi Forest division on Saturday.
SP Ngaimun village Youth Club, Motbung Youth Club, United Saparmeina Youth Club and Keithelmanbi Youth Association planted more than 200 tree saplings each in their respective villages as part of the observation.
(PHOTO: IFP)
The tree saplings were also provided by Kangpokpi Forest Division. The four youth clubs conveyed its sincere gratitude to the DFO Kangpokpi, Chinpilhing Kipgen for her assistance in providing the tree saplings.
Zalen Group and Saitu Gamphazol Area Youth Organisation (SGAYO) in collaboration with the Kangpokpi Forest Division also observed the day at SGAYO playground.
Tree saplings were planted in the presence of DFO Kangpokpi Chinpilhing Kipgen; range officers Haotinkhup Khongsai, Dousel Reuben and Haojagin Chongloi.
The organising committee also conducted a writing competition and cash prizes and certifications were awarded to the winners.
The committee also distributed saplings to villages within the area to encourage reforestation and afforestation to effectively address the environmental damage.
In Tamenglong district, as many as three hundred tree saplings were planted in and around the newly constructed mini stadium early in the morning in a plantation drive organised by District forest division in collaboration with the district administration, Rainforest Club Tamenglong and the Corbett Foundation.
Additional district magistrate Tamenglong Kajaigai Gangmei, DRDA project officer Acham Kamei, wildlife warden Nehemiah Panmei, 5MR deputy commandant John Lokho were among the guests taking part in tree plantation on world environment.
As part of the celebration, a photography competition was organised.
A webinar was also held with Rainforest Club Tamenglong, Corbett Foundation, IndiGo Reach, Tamenglong Forest Division, Mangolnganbi College and IBCN.
More tree saplings were planted at Tamei headquarter, Tamah, Takou villages led by sub-divisional officer Renee Newmei. She told the Imphal Free Press that Forest and Environment minister Awangbou Newmai donated tree saplings and his wife Asenliu Newmai was first person to plant the tree saplings along with Tamah chairman and students at Tamah village.
She said the occasion could not be organised in a grand manner due to the pandemic; however, tree saplings plantation was held at Tamei headquarters too.
Zeliangrong Baptist Church Tamenglong also planted tree saplings at Tosaram church cemetery complex. The tree saplings were donated by Forest minister Awangbou Newmai.
Zeliangrong Baptist Church Tamenglong associate pastor reverend Dishinglung Panmei said the church members planted 350 tree saplings on Saturday.
At Wangjing Sorokhaibam Leikai, two local clubs, Multipurpose Youth Development Organisation (MYDO) and Youth Volunteers Association (YVA) along with two newly formed COVID-19 Task Force teams planted 50 tree saplings around the playground of MYDO and surrounding areas.
Speaking on the occasion, general secretary of MYDO Thangjam Manichandra said that the tree saplings were planted with the view that it might contribute to the conservation of the environment which is already in critical condition.
The club will take the responsibility of ensuring the growth of the tree saplings, he said, appealing for support and unity to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Kekru Ideal Progressive Committee (KIPC), Yairipok in association with the district forest officer of Thoubal planted around 100 tree saplings around Gwarok Mahadev Temple. The tree saplings included jackfruit, guavas and Leihao (Champak) amongst others.
