IMPHAL, June 5: The Directorate of Environment, Government of Manipur observed today the World Environment Day 2015 at the Maharaja Chandrakirti Auditorium, Arts & Culture office complex, Imphal.
The day was observed under the theme `Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care.`™ Consultant to Government of Manipur (retd IAS) Dr RK Nimai Singh attended the function as the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the affect of climate change today is such that people in a State like Manipur are feeling the need to install air conditioners.
He said climate change is a part of nature, and there are many factors, over which mankind has no control at all.
However, there are also certain factors which mankind can control, he said.
Dr Nimai said, the ancestral medicinal herbs are today scientifically developed and made available in packages in medical stores. Now if the medicinal plants and herbs are destroyed knowingly or unknowingly in the name of development, there will be no cure for diseases in the long run.
It is now time for the government to establish some concrete policies to check the environmental issues, he said.
People throwing garbages on the road is an uncivilized behavior, RK Nimai said.
He further urged to act on the environmental issue on a collective context considering the whole of the society.
Chief secretary PC lawmkuga who attended as the chief guest said according to the Indian Meteorology department, rainfall will be reduced remarkably in the coming years.
Many scientists have already warned of adverse climate changes which will in the long run endanger the living things, he said.
However, it is not time to panic, but the time to act on our duties towards protecting the environment, he commented.
We should neither depend on the outside resources nor wait for the government or NGOs to initiate the efforts, but we should as an individual work on our own towards protecting the environment, he continued.
Several individuals, NGOs, local clubs and journalists of the State were also felicitated during the function which was also attended by chariman (SEIAA) Manipur Dr Kh Shamungou, Chairman (SEAC) Manipur Dr H Nandiram Sharma, Member (SEAC) Manipur G Tomba Sharma and Director Directorate of Environment Dr M Homeshwor Singh.
Meanwhile, the month-long observation of the World Environment day organised by the Royal Riders, Manipur under the theme `Seven Bilion dreams, One Planet. Consume with care` came to an end today during a formal function at the Ima Konthoungambi.
The function was attended by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who flagged off a rally from the NCC ground.
The rally was participated by around 150 riders of the Royal Riders, Padle Attack and members of the Manipur Adventure Mountain Bicycle Association.
After the flagg off from NCC ground, the rally proceeded along Khurai Lamlong Bazaar, Hata Golapati, New-Checkon, Konung Mamang, Kongba Bazaar, Singjamei, Ima Keithel, Uripok raod, Naoremthong and concluded at Royal Rider Club at Langol.
Speaking on the occasion, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said the public welfare activities of the Royal Riders, Manipur is laudable and the people should support them.
He said the indiscriminate felling of trees have today posed a serious threat to mankind.
The month long observation which was inaugurated on May 6 was organised in collaboration with the Green Revoution Society.
Manipuri film actors Kaiku, Bony, Sadananda, Soma and singer Guru Rewben Mangshaba also attended the closing function.
The World Environment Day was also observed at the Jawaharlal Navodaya Vidyalaya, Khumbong organised by the school authorities in collaboration with the Manipur Adventure and Mountain Biking Association.
Saplings were planted as part of the observation along the river bank at Patyang village, Kangchup.
The sapling plantation exercise led by school principal N. Surjit was also participated by about 60 others including students and members of the association. About 400 saplings inclusive of both fruit trees, flower trees and medicinal plants supplied from the Forest department were planted.
We encourage our students to contribute in rejuvenating the environment and facilitate such outdoor exercise every year on world environment day, said Surjit.
We hope that the trees will add to the scenic beauty of this river bank and prevent further erosion of the banks, he said.
The plantation site belongs to the chief of K Patyang, N Sitlhou who also participated enthusiastically in the exercise.