Manipur observes World Environment Day

Imphal, June 5 (EMN): With the theme ‘Connecting People to Nature’, the World Environment Day was observed across the state on Monday by taking up various forms of initiatives to rejuvenate nature and environment. Unlike earlier, the state level observation was held jointly by the Directorate of Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) and Environment department. Chief Minister N Biren Singh launched the ‘Segregation at Source’ campaign in Imphal city by providing two dustbins to every households and shops to collect waste materials. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Biren said, “Nature does not require us, but we need nature for our survival.” As such, people need to take a collective pledge to conserve nature for sustainable development and survival of human beings, he added. Sharing his views on possible environment degradation and health hazards caused by polythene bags, he informed that deliberations are being made by the State Government to impose ban on the use of polythene bags in the State. Stating that keeping Imphal city neat and tidy had already been included in the list of tasks to be completed within 100 days by the State Government, the Chief Minister sought co-operation from the public in this regard. PHED Minister L Dikho, Parliamentary Secretary (MAHUD) N Indrajit, MANIDCO and MANITRON Chairman Dr Y Radheshyam, Additional Chief Secretary (Environment) Sambhu Singh and Additional Chief Secretary (MAHUD) Dr J Suresh Babu attended the function as guests of honour. Earlier, Chief Minister led dignitaries also planted flowers under Blooming Manipur’s initiative at Imphal women’s Keithel as part of the World Environment Day.