Imphal, April 22, 2017 (DIPR): The State-level ‘World Earth Day’ observance was held today at Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in Palace Compound, Imphal. The function was held under the theme “Environmental and Climate Literacy” organised by the Directorate of Environment.
Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Minister of Forests and Environment, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, MAHUD and Town Planning, Shri Th. Shyamkumar said that, there is a collective need to think globally and act locally to protect our environment. Shri Shyamkumar added that, there is a need for a joint effort to protect the environment around us which can start from the school level.
Minister Shyamkumar also said that, students can plant saplings at their respective schools, residences and in their local areas along with their elders. He said in the government schools of Andro Assembly Constituency environmental protection is taken up from early stage. Shri Shyamkumar was hopeful that if, environmental protection is started from the school level then the initiative can be taken up simultaneously at regional, national and global level. Minister Shyamkumar said that, our forefathers have been protecting the planet and now time has come for us to protect it for the future generations.
Minister Shyamkumar further said that, modernisation has an adverse impact on the environment. He said diminishing green covers in the hills, disappearance of lakes and birds are signs of environmental degradation. Our State is abundant with natural resources but human greed has caused ecological imbalance resulting in natural calamities and global warming, he added. Minister Shyamkumar informed the gathering that, concerned departments are discussing water conservation and environmental protection at various locations in the State, including Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Dzukou Valley, Kwatha Village and Moreh. The Minister assured that appropriate action will be taken up in the coming months.
In his presidential speech, Shri L. Sushindro, Parliamentary Secretary (Home) said that, our forefathers have been worshipping nature from time immemorial. He said our forefathers knew the importance of protecting the environment and living harmoniously with the nature. He said that, vanishing wetlands have resulted in the climate change in Manipur and expressed hope that, the government will bring a policy to conserve the wetlands.
Guest of Honour of the function, T. Robindro Singh, Chairman, Planning and Development Authority (PDA), spoke on the ozone layer depletion and its negative impact on humans and the environment. Speaking on the importance of planting trees across the globe, Robindro said that, if we cut one tree then we should plant 10 saplings.
Shri G. Tomba Sharma, Retd. Principal, DM College of Science, speaking as the resource person of the function said that, Earth Day aims to encourage people across the world to be more environment-friendly. The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 in America, founded by former US Senator Gaylord Nelson. The event began to be observed globally from 1990 onwards, he added.
The Directorate of Environment distributed free indigenous plant saplings at the function. Around 500 (five hundred) students and teachers of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya – Andro, Wangkhei Model School, Mega Manipur School – Yaralpat and Environmental Science Department, DM College of Science took part in the observance along with the officials of Directorate of Environment, including Director, Dr. M. Homeshwor Singh.
