Tree plantation drives were held across the State to mark World Environment Day with a pledge to protect and conserve and make it clean and green.
In NEIGRIHMS, trees with medicinal herbal and fruit trees were planted at the institute’s herbal garden and in and around the campus that include Red Sandalwood, Agar, Ashoka, Custard Apple, Coffee, Tea, Grapes, Rudraksh, Cherry Blossom and Plum trees.
Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, C. P Marak who attended the programme urged the institute to keep not less than 66 per cent of the campus under green cover to fulfill the mandate of the National Forest Policy which would give residents and patients indirect benefits.
NEIGRIHMS Director, Prof. Nalin Mehta assured that the institute will put its effort towards making NEIGRIHMS greener by planting more trees and to ensure no further pollution to the environment.
Medical Superintendent, Prof. C. Daniala said the institute is committed to compensate the green cover lost during the infrastructure development of the institute on areas where there is no plan for construction.
As part of the World Environment Day, poster competition was also organised by the institute participated by employees and their children and students of the institute. Prize money and certificates were distributed to the first three winners of the competition.
Under Mawryngkneng C&RD block, the office of the Block Development Officer under the initiative of EFC (Basin) planted trees under a programme called, “Community Action Day” at Mawlyngad village. A similar drive was also held at St. Francis De Sale Secondary School, Mawmang yesterday by the office.
Local MLA Pyniaid Sing Syiem said it is the duty of each and every citizen our duty to protect and conserve the environment and called upon students to take care and manage the trees planted.
At the Unitarian Cemetery in Lawsohtun the tree plantation event was held under the theme, “To Nangroi” by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) in collaboration with the Unitarian Church.
Church representatives spoke on the importance of religious institutions in preserving the environment and the duty of the congregation to preserve nature for the future generations.
In Mawkasiang, a fruit tree plantation was held under the theme, “Only One Earth” at the Juvenile Home organised by the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Social Welfare department.
“It is very important to seed or to inculcate thoughts about the environment in young minds so that when they grow up they grow with the understanding with the surrounding,” Agriculture secretary SC Sadhu said.
One hundred fruit trees were planted which includes plums, peaches and pears.
The office of the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and District Project Management Unit (DPMU) also conducted a tree plantation drive at Lai Kyntoit, Lum Nongkhlaw under Mylliem Block.
