IMPHAL, June 5: As in other parts of the world, the World Environment Day was also observed today in various parts of the state under the theme “Think-Eat-Save”.
The government of Manipur Directorate of Environment observed the day at the Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC).
In the presidential speech of the function Dr M Homeshwor Singh, Director, Directorate of Environment said the directorate will launch a new form of awareness campaign on the wastage or extra consumption of food during a party or a feast through the All India Radio (AIR).
He further said the theme for this year’s World Environment Day celebrations “Think-Eat-Save” is an anti-food wastage and food loss campaign that encourages people to reduce our food print.
The world population is increasing rapidly and all the increasing population depends on the limited resources which have reached an alarming point, he said.
He further said that 10 professors in Bangalore have done a great research on the wastage of food in a year during marriage ceremonies.
Their finding has estimated a wastage of food amounting to Rs 3, 39, 00000 every year which can be otherwise used to feed billions of people.
He said as the first step of the awareness campaign, a survey on urban areas such as Govindaji temple etc will be conducted.
If food is wasted, it means that all the resources and inputs used in the production of all the food are also lost, he continued.
As the chief guest of the function RK Nimai, Commissioner, YAS and Arts & Culture said every one of us should take the responsibility to control global warming.
He further said we have to change our life style in order to reduce polution.
In Manipur, Gulmohar trees (Delonix regia) could not flower till 1981 due to cold climatic condition, but after 1982-1983 it has started blooming flowers which clearly shows the state has seen a drastic change in climate.
He said the future generation is in the hands of the present generation.
The day was also observed today jointly by the Biodiversity Ecology Environment Network Manipur (BEE NET) and Centre for Guidance on Higher Studies with Providential Support Form Directorate of Environment.
The function was attended by S Mangi Singh, president, World Manipur Organisation; Dr Th Sobita Devi, president, Women Environment Protection Force; Th Bhogen Singh, Junior Scientist Officer, Directorate of Environment; P Devkanta Singh, president, All Manipur Trade Medicinal and Aromatic Plant promoter Consortium.
During the function P Devkanta Singh was felicitate for getting Plant Genome Savoir, Farmer Reward from the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Centre for Research on Environmental Development, Naoremthong Bazar (CREED) also observed the day by cleaning the areas of Singjamei Supper market and giving awareness to the shopkeepers.
Meanwhile, in a separate press release, the Manipur State Scouts Union has said that the union had also observed the day by planting tree saplings.
The Nehru Yuva Kendra, Thoubal and NSS Unit-II of Wiakhom Mani Girls College, Thoubal Okram have also said in separate press releases that the day were observed separately.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hengbung of Senapati District had also observed the World Environment Day at its campus, said a press statement.
Altogether 103 trees were planted by the staffs of the KVK led by Dr N Muhindro Singh, programme coordinator along with the neighboring village youths while A Brojendro Singh, program assistance (Agro-Forestry) delivered a talk on the importance of conserving trees in the hills. Saplings were also distributed to them for plantation at their respective villages.
The Jananeta Irawat Charitable Trust in a separate press release has said that the trust in month long observation of the day will organized tree plantation programs, seminars, symposiums, awareness programs, book exhibitions and distribution of booklets on environment.
Images of Manipur in another separate press release has said that the organization in coordination with ward No 3 councilor Hijam Nutanchandra also planted trees at Lamphelpat and Langol area under the motto of “save Langol Hill”.
69 BN CRPF also celebrated world environment day by organizing a tree plantation program along with its training at its training node at Chilchil and its headquarter, , said a press release.