IMPHAL, July 19: The third edition of the Go-Green Mission, an initiative taken up by the Maram Students’ Union, towards combating climate change and global warming was launched today at the Senapati district HQ.
The mission is an initiate of the students’ union to implement the Vanmohotsava observation in the district in connection with the 62nd Vanmahotsava 2011.
The observation was graced by deputy commissioner, Senapati district PK. Jha as the chief guest and DFO, Senapati Kh. Ibohal as the guest of honour.
While delivering his the DC stated that afforestation is relevant to Senapati district as much as it is in other parts of the world. He said the district has seen an adverse change during the past few years in its environment due to the population growth.
He further claimed that the only way out of climate change is to inculcate the idea of afforestation which however cannot succeed without mass participation of the community residing in the district.
Growth is inevitable and on the other hand we cannot keep on exploiting the natural resources due to it, he said while assuring all possible help and support from the administrative level in taking up initiatives to combat climate change in the district.
Kh. Ibohal, DFO, in his speech claimed that population growth and the subsequent development are the main factors threatening the climate.
He said that the greenery in the Senapati district is depleting because of the gradual population growth and added that a joint venture comprising of all sections of the society including administration, civil bodies, social leaders etc is needed to combat climatic change.
He further informed the gathering that a total of 1.20 lakhs saplings will be distributed at various parts of the district for plantation.
Speaking as a special invitee during the observation president Maram Women Union P. Kina Lucy highlighted the importance of tree plantation and said that the frequent landslide occurring along the NH-39 especially within the district was due to lack of trees along the vulnerable areas.
The president of Maram Students’ Union stated that the ‘Go Green’ mission was started in the year 2009 and asserted that it has witness a tremendous response since its inception with ever increasing participation from the general public.
The students’ body has a target of planting more than 3000 saplings within three days from today, he informed.
Hundreds of school students from in and around the district headquarters, social leaders, and community leaders took part in the observation.
Planting of saplings by dignitaries including Shyamlal Poonia assistant DC, entertainment programmes performed by school children, presentation of gifts etc marked the day.
On the other hand, the 27 Assam Rifles also organized a “Plantation Drive” to celebrate the “Year of Forest-2011” at Jawaharlal Navodaya Vidyalaya, Umathel in Thoubal district today.
The PRO IGAR (S) in a statement said that the drive was organized with an objective to contribute towards a “Greener Manipur”.
The unit plans to raise awareness among the local populace with a special focus on the younger generation to imbibe the importance of trees in lives, the release added.
A presentation and lecture on “Importance of trees in our lives” was also conducted on the occasion to create awareness among the students to recognize, assess and prevent hazards linked or triggered by environment factors like forest degradation and global warming, it said.
A total of 250 saplings were planted in an around the school premise, further added the statement.