Lok Sabha MP from state, Thokchom Meinya planting a sapling during the environment day observation organized by the Vision Fondation Manipur and Pioneer Health Club Manipur under the sponshership of Environment and Ecology Wing, And Central Forest Department.IMPHAL June 5: In observance of the World Environment Day under the theme “Forest, nature at your service”, a seven day long program organized by Eco Club/ Paryavaran Mitra and Manipur Pollution Control Board formally commenced at the Manipur State Guest House today.The function was graced by chairman of MPCB, E Dwijamani and presided over by K Jagadiswor, member secretary of MPCB. The chief guest in his speech stated that for the year 2011, the occasion is hosted by the Indian government and the day has been observed since 1972 globally.He further said that the public is suffering from various problems due to the various human activities on a global scale. Further stressing on the need to initiate measures for the public and to take up remedial measures in order to control pollution, he added that the eco-system and the environment should not be disturbed in the name of development.Speaking as resource person at the said function, retired chemist W Manishwore stated that, it was in 1973, that a hole, the size of a football field in the ozone layer above the Atlantic Ocean was discovered, however by 2000, the hole had expanded upto the size of the African continent, which has been established by scientists.However he added that it is lucky that the depletion had been above the Atlantic Ocean and not above continental areas which has minimized the health problems to an extent.The depletion is caused by the release of Cloro Floro Carbon, which is used in refrigerators as the compound has been used since 1930. Deforestation around the world has only aggravated global warming, he added. Further speaking at the observation, he stated that the ever increasing numbers of vehicles and deforestation has increased the formation of carbon dioxide and further aggravating the global warming, which has resulted in the melting of glaciers in the Antarctica. If the issue is not addressed at the earliest then, the islands namely Greenland and others will be submerged in the near future. He stressed that to prevent the global warming effects, the pollution issues should be addressed by everyone. During the function, the chief guest also presented the best Eco club awards. Similarly, in observation of the World Environment Day, a one day session on ‘climate change’ was held today at the press club. A short documentary film titled “The Untold Story” produced by L Shamungou of Sangai Express was also released in the said function. The film was released by A Mobi, editor of Sanaleipak newspaper.Dr. RK Ranjan,director of College Development Council (MU) and Dr. P Kumar, associate professor, department of life sciences (MU) were the guest speakers at the function.
