Our Correspondent
Imphal, April 22 (EMN): With the theme ‘Environmental and Climate Literacy’, the World Earth Day was observed at various parts of Manipur by organizing different ways of programmes on Saturday.
The state level function was held at Manipur State Film Development Society auditorium under the Directorate of Environment where Minister of Forests and Environment, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, MAHUD and Town Planning Th Shyamkumar distributed the plant sapling to the students of various educational institutions numbering around 500.
Speaking on the occasion Forest minister Shyamkumar said there is a collective need to think globally and act locally to protect the environment. Stating that, there is a need for a joint effort at our capacity to protect the environment around us which can start right from the school level, he said the students can plant saplings at their respective places.
Minister felt that protection of environment should be started from the school level then the initiative can be taken up simultaneously at regional, national and global level.
Informing the gathering that concerned departments are discussing water conservation and environmental protection at various locations in the State, he assured that appropriate action will be taken up in the coming months.
In his presidential speech Parliamentary Secretary (Home) L Sushindro said our forefathers knew the importance of protecting the environment and living harmoniously with the nature. He said vanishing wetlands have resulted in the climate change and hope that, the new government will bring a policy to conserve the wetlands.
Chairman of Planning and Development Authority T Robindro Singh,G Tomba Sharma, a Retd college Principal and Environment Director Dr M Homeshwor Singh also spoke on the occasion. 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.
The Directorate of Environment also distributed indigenous plant saplings free of cost to students and teachers of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya – Andro,Wangkhei Model School, Mega Manipur School,Environmental Science Department,DM College of Science, Wangkhei Model School etc. There are also reports observing world earth day at many places. Mao students union in Manipur is also planning to observe the day by switching off electricity and electrical appliances for one hour starting from 8.30pm.
