IMPHAL, Aug 31 - In an effort to reduce noise and environment pollution, the BJP-led coalition Government in Manipur is planning to introduce e-rickshaws and electric buses by phasing out the existing means of public transport, particularly autorickshaws and buses.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said this at a function to distribute cheques here today. Cheques for Rs 5,000 each were distributed to 3,080 eco-clubs across the State under the National Green Corps programme 2018-19.
The detailed project report in this regard is being prepared, said the Chief Minister. �Besides, steps are being taken to clean degraded rivers including the Imphal, Thoubal, Kongba and Iril, apart from the ongoing Nambul river rejuvenation project,� Biren Singh added.
The naming of a nine-year-old girl as the �green ambassador� of Manipur will encourage people to plant more trees and protect them, the Chief Minister said.
Stating that rampant deforestation and large-scale poppy plantation on the hills has caused excessive soil erosion, Biren Singh called for a halt to these practices. He said that an organisation in Ukhrul district has decided to facilitate conservation of forests on five to ten acres of land in each of the 267 villages under the Chief Minister�s �Green Manipur� mission.
On August 30, the Chief Minister distributed 1,400 saplings to the public as part of the mission.
With regard to the ongoing Economic Census, Biren Singh cautioned that the Government would not spare any wrongdoers in the data collection works and called for sincere and dedicated efforts.
In his speech, Manipur State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) chairman L Radhakishore hoped that awareness programmes through the existing eco-clubs, which have around seven lakh students as members, would help in propagating environment conservation activities. Ministers Radheshyam and Shyamkumar also spoke in the function, which was attended by deputy commissioners, MSPCB officials and others.
According to MSPCB member secretary T Mangi, the National Green Corps programme was introduced in the State in 2004 by establishing 200 eco-clubs. Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul districts have the highest number (250 each) of eco-clubs, while Pherzawl has the lowest number (108) among all the 16 districts of Manipur.
