Over 30 students participated in eco-trekking, which was held at Langol Range (Punshi Lok) in Manipur on Sunday, as a part of a month-long environment campaign under the UN theme - “Only One Earth” - in observation of the Environment Day 2022.
The event was organised by the Royal Riders Manipur in an effort to revive the lost connection with nature, with the motto “serving with adventure”, and kids, as young as five-year-old, joined the trekking. With the rapid urbanisation and ever-changing lifestyle, most people seem to have lost connection with nature. The connection with nature may be termed “hanging by the thread". In view of it, the eco trekking event was held to instill environment consciousness among the young students.
Introducing eco-trekking to the young students, the organisation aims to develop a good experience and understanding of flora and fauna in the region. In continuation of the pledge taken to plant 10,000 trees for the unsung heroes who have given their lives in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, they have completed planting 5,000 trees, the organization said.
"Forest is the root of modern civilisation.Without forest, we cannot live peacefully," RK Tombisana, president, Royal Riders Manipur, said.
When the Imphal Free Press interacted with parents and students, who took part in the eco-trekking, they expressed immense joy and gratitude to Royal Riders Manipur for organising such event. One Roshan Khongbantabam, a student from Uripok Khaidem Leikai, expressed that the trekking event is a good initiative to build the connection with nature. He welcomed similar events in the future for students.
"Nowadays, children are confined to home and have a very different lifestyle," Roshan said, recalling his childhood days. Another parent also said that exposing their children to nature is a good step. "This refreshes their minds and it is an opportunity for the parents and children to explore new places and learn more about them," he said.
The students who took part in the trekking event told the Imphal Free Press that it was a unique experience and they have gained new knowledge about the forest and the names of the trees. This new experience has made them develop a feeling of one with forest and the environment, they said.
Moirangthem Loiya, Founder of WAHPS, who headed the trekking in Punshi Lok, told the Imphal Free Press that "introducing such events like eco-trekking and nature walk is a must for the new generation". Loiya further said that "exposing the students and children to reality and providing experience above the academic knowledge is important. They should feel and have a taste of nature, to develop a connection with nature, which is a crucial factor in preserving and safeguarding nature".
Loiya plans to develop Punshi Lok as a trekking site for students for understanding nature more precisely. With the aim to preserve the forest development, educational camping is being held as he plans to give a unique experience to the new generation to connect more with nature and help conserve the green environment.
The climate is ever changing. Summers are getting longer, hotter and dryer than they have ever been. Overall, the seasons have become more extreme and unpredictable in recent years due to the widespread global warming taking place across the world. Floods have become more frequent today. Therefore, concerned authorities and officials must ensure proper planning and measures must be taken up to minimise the damage to the environment.
