IMPHAL, June 5 - Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Environment Day was widely observed in Manipur with a series of tree plantation and cleanliness drives today.
Tree plantation programmes were initiated by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, along with new Forest and Environment Minister Awangbow Newmai, Consumers Affairs Minister Karam Shyam, Deputy Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly K Robindro, Chairman of the Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers� Welfare Board H Dingo and other dignitaries at the memorial of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, Bir Tikendrajit Park and Rani Gaidinliu Park in and around Imphal.
This official plantation programme was organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change under the theme, �Biodiversity�.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the purpose of celebrating the World Environment Day is to save human lives by protecting and preserving the environment. Stating that the State Government has initiated the Green Manipur Mission to conserve and preserve forest area, Biren Singh appealed to the people to help accomplish the mission.
The Chief Minister cautioned the people against COVID-19 and said that the disease might spread if people do not follow precautionary measures and the advisories, guidelines and protocols issued by the WHO, the Union Health Ministry and medical experts.
Informing that more than 35,000 natives have returned to the State so far, Biren Singh said the State Government has on its part taken all precautionary and preventive measures to control the spread of COVID-19. He appreciated the efforts of frontline workers, CSOs and local volunteers in the fight against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Dr Th Radheshyam and government officials planted saplings at SK Ideal High School in Imphal West district. Radheshyam expressed satisfaction that nearly 70 per cent of the 50,000 saplings planted in more than 1,000 educational institutions of the State last year, have survived.
Health Minister L Jayentakumar also attended a programme in which indigenous medical plants were planted at the DIPR office here. The Forest Department, along with Rainforest Club, Tamenglong, 44 Assam Rifles, Tamenglong Police and the District Council also conducted tree plantation drives on the Gadai hill range in Tamenglong district. The Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development here also observed the World Environment Day.
There are reports of observance of the day at various places, including Bishnupur where Works Minister Th Biswajit was present.
