IMPHAL, June 22 - Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh today launched the Chief Minister�s Green Manipur Mission by planting a sapling at the complex of the Socio-Economic and Environment Development Society (SEEDS) located near Saheibung village in Kangpokpi district.
A brainchild of Biren Singh, the mission has been introduced to develop and protect forests in every village of the State. An open gym � each worth Rs 5-6 lakh � will be installed as an incentive at all the villages, which are willing to set aside at least five acres of land for development of forests.
Speaking at the function, the Chief Minister said that Manipur, once known for its salubrious climate, has lately been facing the impact of environmental degradation. �As such, it is high time to protect and develop forests in each and every locality for sustainable living,� he observed. He further said that the State Government is ready to issue pattas in the name of the village concerned if the land where the forest would be developed, is a wasteland.
Rampant felling of trees on the hills of Manipur has created soil erosion, leading to siltation of rivers and lakes, the Chief Minister said. He further said that in many hilly areas, the soil has become very soft and weak due to excessive use of chemical fertilisers on poppy plantations.
State Planning Board Deputy Chairman S Rajen Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests K Angami, All Manipur Working Journalists Union president Bijoy Kangchingtabam, SEEDS president A Mobi and Saheibung village chief Athang attended the function.
