GUWAHATI, June 5 - Institutes across the city today organised various awareness programmes about the adverse effects of using plastic, and conducted plantation drives for a healthier planet, as part of World Environmental Day.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials led by Regional Executive Director (North East Region) DK Kamra pledged to reduce the use of plastic in their day-to-day lives. Kamra initiated a tree plantation drive in which AAI officials planted saplings at the AAI residential colony. Eco-friendly dustbins were also placed at AAI premises.
NGO North East Wetland and Anand Academy, Dispur initiated a plantation drive in the school premises, where 15 saplings of fruit and ornamental tress were planted. The NGO also conducted an awareness programme in Soikuri Primary School at Tetelia in Sonapur. Environment and general knowledge books were distributed among the students.
The Asam Sahitya Sabha initiated a year-long programme �Asam Sahitya Sabhar Seuj Yatra� through which it will make people aware about protecting the environment and make environment-related books available in Assamese language.
In a programme held at Pragjyotish College, environmental group Nature�s Beckon was felicitated. Sabha president Dr Paramananda Rajbongshi announced that along with starting awareness programmes at the district level, the Sabha will publish several books on environment.
The Institution of Public Health Engineers (India), Guwahati Regional Centre, observed the day at Beltola High School in association with the Indian Water Works Association, Guwahati. Medicinal and fruit saplings were planted on the occasion.
In keeping with an MoU signed between the Basistha Devalaya authority and Voice of Environment (VoE), the NGO started a drive for a clean, eco-friendly plastic free zone. A programme was organised to create build awareness among devotees, visitors, priests and shopkeepers.
At an event organised in Panjabari by the Brihattar Panjabari Sanmilita Nagarik Mancha, senior journalist DN Chakravartty planted a sapling at Baghorbori LP School premises and appealed to the students to plant at least one tree every year.
The Science Club of Arya Vidyapeeth College organised an awareness meeting in Harijan Colony to make the locals as well as school children aware about the necessity to protect the environment. Multilingual leaflets on plastic pollution were distributed, and a dustbin was installed in the locality.
Beltola College observed the day at the college premises and at Mazipara LP School with competitions for students. Teachers and students later planted saplings in both the institutes.
Shrimanta Shankar Academy, Dispur, in collaboration with Care Luit, a unit of the Assam Government, planted 150 saplings in a bid to create a green campus which would help the cause of a plastic-free environment.
JBF (Just Be Friendly), an animal welfare organisation, observed World Environment Day at the JBF Integrated Care and Resource Centre for Animal Welfare (JIRAW) in Sonapur by planting 30 saplings to help reduce environmental pollution.
Modern High School, Geetanagar, observed World Environment Day with a speech competition, and planting of fruit and medicinal plants in the school campus.
Radio Mirchi 95 initiated a tree plantation drive at the Assam State Zoo. Divisional Forest Officer Tejas Mariswamy, Forest Veterinary Officer, Assam State Zoo, Dr Arindam Kumar Pachoni, and other zoo officials took part in the event.
Royal Global University (RGU) planted saplings in its campus as well as under the Gorchuk flyover, which is maintained by the university. Vice Chancellor Dr SP Singh urged people to discard plastic things, and plant more trees, use reusable materials and teach children the importance of saving the environment. RGU staff planted saplings donated by FICCI Ladies Organisation (FICCI FLO), Guwahati, and also took them home for planting.
At an event organised by Asian Institute of Management and Technology (AIMT) in association with Bhaskar Bidyapith HS School, veteran Assamese actor Jayanta Bhagawati said a plastic-free environment was the essence of human survival and a better future for the next generation. AIMT organised a drawing competition, which was followed by planting of saplings, stated a press release issued here today.
