Imphal, June 5: As in other parts of the world, the World Environment day was also observed widely in the State.
The Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) also started its yearlong ‘Environment Literacy Campaign’ on the occasion today.
As a part of the campaign a cycle rally and tree plantations were taken out at different locations.
The cycle rally was flagged off from Keishampat by RK Nimai, Commissioner Art & Culture, Govt. of Manipur along with the executive members of the DESAM. Cleanliness drive was carried out along the Nambul River with tree plantation from Keishampat Bridge area to Keishamthong area.
There was also a public meeting after the rally got culminated at Cheiraoching of Thangmeiband. A pamphlet containing vital information related to environment was distributed to the public, published by the publicity sub-committee of the campaign.
UKHRUL: In line with its global objective of creating mass awareness on protecting environment, the World Environment Day (WED) 2014 was observed amid fervent calls for an immediate end to all forms man-made destruction or exploitation of existing forest, natural resources and biodiversity of Ukhrul district here on Thursday.
The day’s program was organized by Ukhrul based Forum For Change in collaboration with DRDA, VVD and UDCRMS/IFAD at Ukhrul Town Hall.
Delivering a key note address, Aran A Chihui, convenor Forum For Change highlighted the grim prospect of impending threat to ecology of the district in the absence of any initiative to salvage the already degrading environment.
“It’s time we all stop exploiting our natural resources and wildlife for commercial purposes and personal gains for these are all for momentary benefits but bound to affect mankind for generations to come, ” he pleaded.
Living up to his credibility as the district administrator, DC Hrisheekesh Modak, IAS promptly responded with an assurance to support the conservancy initiative in every possible way.
It is a good thing that such initiative is being taken up, he said while assuring that the district administration would continue to stand by civil organizations in preserving the district’s ecology.
Expressing his being dismayed by chronic water scarcity in Ukhrul town, Modak traced the cause of the water situation to widespread practice of felling trees for firewood and timber trading among the people of the district.
In his address, Artax A Shimray, president Tangkhul Naga Long also highlighted various effects of unchecked deforestation while calling for the need to take action.
“We cannot stop global warming which is affecting the whole world but at least we can mitigate its impact by taking action to conserve our environment, ” he asserted.
Ashok Y Tipnis, member founder & promoter VVD, also spoke on the urgency of collective decision and well guided action plans on the part of the Tangkhul Nagas towards conserving their forests.
Meanwhile, in connection with the occasion, tree sapplings were by DC Hrisheekesh, Artac Shimray and Ashok Tipnis at Town hall campus and Gandhi avenue circular at Phungreitang while tree sapplings were distributed to the public.
Thereafter, DC Hrisheekesh flagged off a motorbike rally which was held as part of the observance which will continue till the weekend.
Senapati Joins Observation of World Environment Day
Tree plantation drive organised by Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) with All Private Schools Association Senapati (APSAS) under the aegis of Deputy Commissioner, Senapati was carried out today at District Headquarter as part of the observation of World Environment Day.
The programme was participated by D.C, S.P, President of NPO, SDWA, SDOAM, SDKAWA.SDPAM, SDCC, Students’ bodies of various communities, teachers, students, social activists and nature lovers who planted over 300 tree saplings along the roadside from mini secretariat to Mini Stadium.
BISHNUPUR: A marathon for differently abled persons was held at, Ningthoukhong, Bishnupur District on June 5 to mark the day.
The marathon was jointly organised by the Chanura Women Welfare Association, Ningthoukhong, Red Shield Division 5th Battalion of the 9th Gurkha Rifles, NHPC Loktak Power Station Kom Keirap. The race started from Phubala playground and finished at Ningthoukhong Community Hall and was participated by a total of 385 differently abled people.
A formal function was held at the hall and cash prizes were presented to the winners who were divided into 6 different categories.
The prize distribution function was attended by Govindas Konthoujam-minister of Veterinary and animal Husbandry as chief guest, Colonel JBS Rathi as guest of honour and Chanura Association president-RK Noyon Devi as president were present.
In relation to the program, Govindas Konthoujam had stated that the rise of temperature and climate change in the atmosphere is due to deforestation. Scarcity of water is also due to deforestation said the minister.
He further stated that the only solution to control the drastic changes in the atmosphere is to plant more trees.
In another related issue, Laimanai (Thingpui) village of Churachandpur district has demonstrated a rally to stop poaching of wild animals and birds as part of World Environment Day.
The rally was organised by Department of Forest-Wild Life Wing, Government of Manipur, Indian Bird Conservarion Network (IBCN) Manipur, Pole Star Guardian’s Assocaition (POSGAT) Thinungei, Centre for Conservation of Nature and Cultivation of Science and was attended by L. Joykumar, IFS DCF, Park and Sanctuary, Government of Manipur, Dh. Gachung-Headman of the village, RK. Birjit, State Secretary of POSGAT and P.Gaigangpou Khunpu of the village as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
P Gaigangpou Khunpu and Dh. Gachung-Headman of the village have taken an oath to stop the killing and torture of wild animals and bird.
The day was also observed at the Langol Shabi, Loktak Lake organised by the ALLAFHUM under the slogan “We have a solution, stop pollution.”
The program was attended by Phunindro Konsam, Committee of Human Rights, N Churamani of HERICOUN, ALLAFUM Women wing secretary S Leinungshi.
Speaking at the function, IFP correspondent Dr Romenkumar representing the People Resource Development Association said the pollution of Loktak Lake is not because of the fishers, but because of the polluted rivers flowing into it especially Nambol River.
Post the construction of Ithai Barrage, indigenous local fish varieties have disappeared from the lake along with certain edible vegetation, he continued.
In order to make the lake self-sustainable, we need to check overfishing of fishlings from the lake, he said.
AR observes day in Jiribam
JIRIBAM: The World Environment Day was observed at Jiribam organised by the 27th Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 22 Sector in collaboration with the Child Welfare Ashram, Jiribam at the Auditorium Hall of Jiribam Higher Secondary School.
As part of the World Environment Day observation, an essay competition was held under the theme of “Co- existence with nature” for the students of class IX- XII, in the essay competition more than hundred students took part in it.
Following the observance of World Environment Day a painting competition was also held for the students of class I – VIII on two categories basis on the theme of “Save Environment for brighter tomorrow, where more than 50 students took part.
Tree saplings were also planted at the campus of Jiribam Higher Secondary School.
The function attended by H Romesh Singh, CO, 27th Assam Rifles, Kadamtala; L Ranjit Singh, Principal Jiribam Higher Secondary School and H Anita Devi as a chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
H Romesh Singh delivered a message to the young generation to promote awareness on the importance of preserving the bio- diversity.
Prizes were awarded to the winners of the essay and painting competitions.
Meanwhile the Centre for Guidance on Higher Studies (CGHS), Jiribam branch also observed the World Environment Day in collaboration with Bio- diversity Environment Ecology Network (BEE- NET), Manipur, today at Kasturba Girls’ High School.
As part of the observation, more than 100 students took part in a social work and planting of saplings inside the campus of Kasturba Girls’ High School as a part of awareness campaign for the importance of bio- diversity.
The 27 Assam Rifles along with the Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE) also organised the day at New Kaiphundai, Tamenglong district and Khengbor, Ccpur district.
Both the villages have been chosen to make them ‘Model Green Village’ in the near future.
Projects like ‘Mini Hydel Project’, ‘Biomass Gas’, ‘Eco Tourism’ etc will be implemented in these two villages in near future.