Our Correspondent
Imphal, July 2 (EMN): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that mass participation is needed to save the environment.
He urged the people to preserve and conserve the forests so that natural calamities such as floods, landslides and drought can be prevented.
Speaking at the state-level 70th Van Mahotsava programme at the Peace Ground in Manipur’s Churachandpur districton Monday, July 1, he encouraged the people to promote and create awareness about the benefits of afforestation.
Pointing out that forest areas especially in hill districts are fast shrinking due to rampant deforestation, the chief minister said the main idea in organising the state-level Van Mahotsava in hill districts was to sensitise the people about the climate change in the state.
Government alone cannot save the environment without people’s support and awareness, he said.
The recently launched Green Mission Manipur would soon be expanded across the state, and people need to take proactive role in it, he added.
Singh also lauded the CSOs and student organisations decision to stop sand/pebble quarrying activities and poppy plantation in Churachandpur district.
He also mentioned about the ill effects of usage of chemical fertilizers in poppy plantation that leads to degradation of the soil.
Forest and Environment Minister Th Shyamkumar urged the public to protect wildlife and conserve forest areas so that healthy ecological balance can be maintained for sustainable living.
Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian informed that the government is putting in efforts to find an alternative to traditional means of cultivation — jhum cultivation.
Meanwhile, chief minister led the public and dignitaries in planting tree saplings at the ground to mark the event.
