Shillong, Jun 5: World Environment Day was observed across the state today with tree plantation, awareness programmes, cleaning drives and other activities, pledging for protecting and restoring the environment for future generations.
The Committee on Environment of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly conducted a tree plantation drive at the Assembly premises in Khyndailad, wherein 30 tree saplings were planted. Chairman of the Committee on Environment, Rakkam A. Sangma, other MLAs along with officers of the Assembly Secretariat and officials from the Social Forestry Department took part.
Sangma noted that climate change is increasingly affecting Meghalaya, with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, water scarcity, and reduced rainfall becoming growing concerns. He stressed the need to create greater awareness among citizens and motivate communities to take proactive steps towards environmental conservation.
He further stated that the Committee on Environment continues to take up issues of public concern relating to environmental protection and sustainable development and will continue to perform its responsibilities in the interest of the people.
Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretary Malthus S. Sangma said that the observance of World Environment Day should go beyond symbolic plantation activities. He said the Assembly’s commitment is not only to plant saplings but also to nurture and protect them until they mature and contribute meaningfully to the environment.
Officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Forests and Environment Department attended the celebration at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) in Ri Bhoi.
Besides a tree plantation drive, an awareness programme on environmental sustainability, a special lecture was held, bringing together environmental experts.
MSPCB member secretary Dr G. H. Chyrmang in his keynote address highlighted the importance of collective action in tackling environmental degradation and stressed the need for stronger public participation in conservation efforts.
A technical session featured experts from the board who spoke on the current air quality scenario in Meghalaya, with a particular focus on Byrnihat, implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), industrial emissions, environmental compliance requirements, provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and biomedical waste management.
The programme also featured a lecture on ‘Rethinking Development in the Era of Climate Change’ by Rituraj Phukan, Founder of the Indigenous Peoples’ Climate Justice Forum, who called for development models that are environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.
The ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, held a day-long programme emphasising environmental stewardship, climate action, and collective responsibility towards building a greener and more sustainable future.
Padma Shri Hally War was invited as the chief guest. Addressing the participants, War reflected on his five decades of work in environmental conservation and emphasised the crucial role of youth in protecting natural resources. He stated that the future of humanity is closely linked to the health of the environment and urged students to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles by minimizing the use of plastics and embracing biodegradable alternatives.
Besides tree plantation, a series of educational and awareness programmes were organised for school students.
The College of Agriculture Krydemkulai, CAU-KVK, South Garo Hills, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Umiam, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, West Garo Hills and East Garo Hills celebrated the day in convergence with the ongoing Khet Bachao Abhiyan campaign, focusing on the judicious use of chemical fertilizer.
My Bharat Shillong conducted a plantation drive at Mawryngkneng attended by local residents, youth volunteers, community leaders, and its representatives. A diverse selection of indigenous and environmentally beneficial saplings was planted in designated areas across the region to support ecological balance and enhance environmental sustainability.
Saindur Enviro Pvt. Ltd. held an environment awareness programme at Mawtnum Presbyterian Centenary Memorial Secondary School, Mawtnum Village, Ri Bhoi District
Co-founder and Director of Saindur Vivek Kumar introduced the ‘Tag the Tree’ initiative, under which each sapling planted would be named after the student or group responsible for planting it, encouraging them to nurture and care for the tree as it grows.
The Khweng Eco Club, in collaboration with NESFAS, organised a community-led celebration at Khweng village, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, bringing together community members, school children, local leaders, NESFAS team and representatives from the National People’s Party (NPP). The event highlighted the importance of collective action in environmental conservation and sustainable stewardship of natural resources.
Participants later took part in a tree plantation drive involving school children and community members. Saplings contributed by NESFAS were used during the activity. The celebration concluded with an Agrobiodiversity (ABD) Walk led by local knowledge holders, who shared stories and traditional ecological knowledge with the students of Khweng Upper Primary School, fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between people and nature.
Martin Luther Christian University conducted a cleaning drive and an environmental awareness campaign, aimed to foster a sense of environmental consciousness and collective responsibility towards the planet. The outreach extended not only within the university grounds but also reached nearby areas as awareness activities were carried out to highlight the critical importance of environmental conservation, effective waste management, and sustainable living practices.
The Departments of Botany, Environmental Science, and the Higher Secondary Section of Sankardev College also observed the day with a pledge and video presentation entitled ‘Untangled: Healing the Present to safeguard the Future.’ The screening highlighted critical environmental tipping points across the planet and emphasised humanity’s role as custodians to preserve the Earth.
PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Umroi Cantonment celebrated the day under the aegis of 2 Meghalaya Battalion NCC, Shillong with a tree plantation drive at the campus. NCC cadets planted 43 saplings at various locations in the school campus. The cadets were also sensitised about the significance of World Environment Day and the vital role played by trees in maintaining ecological balance, preserving biodiversity, reducing pollution, and combating climate change.
The Rotary Club of Orchid City, Shillong collaborated with Synod College, Shillong in tree plantation drive and also donated garbage bins to the extended campus of the college located at Mawpdang.
The Seng Kynthei Laitumkhrah Dorbar Pyllun, in collaboration with Don Bosco Technical School, organised a tree plantation programme with saplings donated to students to promote environmental conservation and create awareness on the importance of protecting nature.
