As in previous years, the state government, educational institutions and various other organisations all celebrated World Environment Day 2024 today across the state.
In Shillong, the Forest and Environment Department held its observance at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Umsawli. The programme was organised by the Social Forestry and Environment Wing on the theme ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang said, “This is a global event aimed at raising awareness for preservation and betterment of the environment.”
He further said our environment is the foundation of human civilisation, providing us with the essentials of life and shaping the world. Our relationship with the environment has not always been harmonious; the rapid pace of industrialisation, urbanisation and population growth has put unprecedented pressure on our planet, leading to deforestation, pollution, climate change and depletions of our natural resources.
The department felicitated the staff of Social Forestry Division of East Khasi Hills for their dedication in their work and prizes and mementos were also distributed to the winners of drawing, painting, slogan and essay writing competitions.
The Shillong Municipal Board in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Professional Studies, William Carey University and ICFAI University organised a one day awareness programme today through a short street play on zero littering. The programme was conducted in two strategic locations of Shillong, Don Bosco Square in Laitumkhrah and at Laban Red Cross.
William Carey University also conducted a tree plantation drive in Nongkohlew village, Mawlai Mawtawar. A painting competition was also conducted at the university to engage students creatively. Additionally, the Department of Education and Political Science led cleanliness drives on campus and in neighbouring streets, promoting community responsibility and environmental care.
In Mawkyrwat, the Deputy Commissioner of South West Khasi Hills, T Lyngwa, today launched the ‘Miyawaki Afforestation’ project at Pyndenspar, Jakrem village.
The programme was organised by the office of the Divisional Soil and Water Conservation Officer in collaboration with the district administration and the office of the District Sports Officer.
Lyngwa highlighted the significance of this day by reminding every citizen of their roles and responsibilities in addressing the degraded state of the environment. He also pointed out the impact of human activities and the rampant destruction of the environment and its biodiversity, leading to issues such as landslides, soil erosion, air pollution, water pollution and water scarcity.
The DC stressed on the need to plant more trees and implement measures to preserve and conserve water bodies, forests, aquatic life, flora and fauna as these actions are essential to rejuvenate the environment and ensure sustainability for future generations. He urged everyone to refrain from destructive practices such as deforestation and burning of forests and their surroundings.
E Kharkrang, Divisional Soil and Water Conservation Officer, informed that the Miyawaki afforestation project involves dense planting of indigenous or native trees in order to mimic a natural forest, thereby creating a diverse woodland ecosystem in a short span of time. He also stated that it is an approach developed by Akira Miyawaki, where local species are encouraged by utilising all available space to the extent possible to get the best benefits that trees and forest inherently offer.
Some 1.5 lakh tree saplings will be planted under the Miyawaki plantation project with a sanctioned amount of Rs 40 lakh.
After the programme, the DC and district officials planted 1,500 saplings at the project site in Pyndenspar. As a follow up to the celebration, many more seedlings will be planted under the Miyawaki afforestation project and other different natural resource management initiatives.
Another tree plantation drive was organised by the district administration, National Rural Livelihood Mission and Mawthawpdah Area Rilang Fishing Association (MARFA) at Pyndeniahsiat, Mawkhew (Rohbah) village. Here 1,000 saplings were planted with the participation of self-help groups (SHGs), students, teachers, members of the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Mawthawpdah area, and members of the MARFA. The district administration also conducted a further 22 tree plantation drives throughout the district today, with 15,000 seedlings planted by 750 participants.
The official district programme in Jowai was held with West Jaintia Hills DC BS Sohliya the chief guest. Other officials and students from a dozen schools were also present.
A plastic-free event, care was taken that there was no disposable plastic used in the signage, exhibits and catering.
Sohliya covered the topics of decentralised waste management, monetisation and revenue generation through recycling and other pertinent topics related to community-level waste management activities.
The highlights of the event included an inter-school photography exhibition/competition – The Ugly Picture Contest – the theme of which was the menace of plastic waste. More than 120 entries were received and 23 were shortlisted for the exhibition. Students from two schools – HK Singh Memorial School and North Liberty HS School – also made detailed presentations on how they conduct waste segregation and management on campus.
World Environment Day was also observed in other parts of the district. The Land Committee of Sein Raij Jowai planted saplings at Loom Mookhai Waka Biar Ka Blai. In Mooshrot village under Laskein block, students and teachers of Chankylliang Evergreen LP School planted 16 saplings in and around the school compound. The office of the Range Forest Officer Social Forestry Range Shangpung celebrated the day at Sawlyngdoh Higher Secondary School, Mookaaiw, while the office of the Superintendent of Police also observed the day under the campaign of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ka Naa’ where officers and staff planted one tree sapling each in and around Jowai police station with an aim to fight global warming.
Separately, the Halfway Home Project, under the Society for Urban and Rural Empowerment (SURE), celebrated World Environment Day with a vibrant and heartwarming event at the halfway home office in Sabah Muswang.
The celebration was organised in collaboration with the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project and featured a special performance by the renowned local band “Untitled 5.”
This year’s theme, ‘Eco-Conscious for a Brighter Tomorrow,’ was at the heart of the event, inspiring attendees to embrace sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. The event brought together the dedicated staff of SURE, the patients of the halfway home project and members of the local community to raise awareness about environmental issues and celebrate the beauty of our planet.
“It is not easy to fight for the environment,” said HH Mohrmen, SURE secretary, in his speech. “Change wouldn’t come just by listening to my speech; change will only come from self-realisation.”
The celebration featured various musical activities, engagement with the patients and environment-related speeches. Planting of saplings followed by the organisers and the attendees in the office backyard.
Meanwhile, in a heartfelt celebration of World Environment Day, the Kumligaon community in South West Garo Hills gathered at the scenic Kumali Lake for a day of environmental activities. With a shared commitment to ecological preservation, residents engaged in various initiatives to protect and enhance their natural surroundings.
The event began with the planting of numerous trees along the shores of Talwa Lake.
Kumali Lake, spanning approximately 250 bighas and often referred to as the ‘Kumali Lake’ of the region, was the centerpiece of the day’s activities. Its serene waters reflect the lush greenery around it, and water lilies float gracefully on its surface, adding to the lake’s charm.
Nearby, the sacred hillock of Naribhita, believed to be inhabited by a protective deity, stands watch over the lake and its inhabitants. The area has also gained prominence with the launch of the Amrit Sarovar project, further enhancing its significance and appeal.
Numerous other programmes were also held in the state. The KVK Ri-Bhoi and South Garo Hills units held programmes involving tree plantation and environment-themed speeches. A 7km race and tree planting drive was organised by the Bouncer Association of Meghalaya (BAM) to coincide with its 20th anniversary. Around 300 runners in various age groups participated.
The College of Community Science in Tura also held a poster painting competition for 120 students. And in Nongstoin, school students took part in various programmes organised by the Divisional Forest Officer.
The Border Security Force, posted around the state, also took part in World Environment Day observations. Personnel pledged to make changes to their lives to protect the environment and motivate others to take up environmental-friendly habits. An awareness rally and tree plantation drives were carried out by BSF personnel around the state. Free saplings were also distributed to members of the public by the 172nd Battalion and the BSF Senior Secondary School students also did their bit through essay writing competitions and a cleanliness drive.
