IMPHAL, April 22 - World Earth Day was observed in Manipur today with the theme �Environmental and Climate Literacy�.
The State level function was held at Manipur State Film Development Society auditorium under Directorate of Environment where Minister of Forests and Environment, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, MAHUD and Town Planning Th Shyamkumar distributed saplings to students of various educational institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Shyamkumar said there is a collective need to think globally and act locally to protect the environment. There is a need for a joint effort to protect the environment, which should start right from school level, he said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Home, L Sushindro said, �our forefathers knew the importance of protecting the environment and living harmoniously with nature.� Vanishing wetlands have resulted in climate change, he said and expressed hope that the new government will bring a policy to conserve the wetlands.
Chairman of Planning and Development Authority T Robindro Singh, G Tomba Sharma, a retired college principal and Director, Environment department Dr M Homeshwor Singh also spoke on the occasion. Earth Day is observed to encourage people across the world to be more environment-friendly. The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 in America.
The Directorate of Environment also distributed indigenous plant saplings free of cost to students and teachers of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Andro,Wangkhei Model School, Mega Manipur School, Environmental Science Department, DM College of Science, Wangkhei Model School, etc.
Mao Students Union is planning to observe the Day by switching off electricity and electrical appliances for one hour starting from 8.30 pm tonight.
