IMPHAL, Sept 18 - World Bamboo Day was observed in Manipur on Monday to create awareness about the uses of bamboo and its products to keep a healthy environment and also to give employment opportunities in the bamboo sector to the artisans.
The event started with a bamboo run by schoolchildren followed by various awareness programmes at Singjamei Community Hall in Imphal.
Apart from opening of five-day Exhibition on Bamboo & Cane and Allied Crafts, a painting competition for Class I-IV and Class V-VIII on �bamboo for environment, energy and employment� will be held on September 19. It will be followed by symposium-cum-lecture on �bamboo � its products and relation with environment, bamboo plantation, fashion show on bamboo and bamboo construction (sustainability)�.
Of the 57 varieties of bamboo in India, 44 are found in the North East while Manipur Forest department has identified 35 species, including 12 industrial bamboo varieties, in Manipur.
