A mass afforestation programme on the theme, “Only one Earth” was launched at Tynrong (Synrang Syiem) in Jakrem, South West Khasi Hills district today as part of the World Environment Week celebration.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, SC Laloo said the programme is to create awareness for worldwide protection of the environment. He stressed on the need to preserve and conserve the environment and said that the purpose of afforestation is to restore the area that has been destroyed due to human activities such as exploitation of natural resources, de-forestation etc.
He urged residents to plant more trees in order to tackle the problems of global warming, pollution etc., which can help in maintaining the fertility of the soil, retention of water, better productivity and in bringing back the balance and harmony in nature.
The programme was organised by the office of the Divisional Soil & Water Conservation.
Divisional Soil & Water Conservation Officer, O. Khardewsaw said that planting trees can address issues of soil erosion and at the same time acts as a shield of protection of the ozone layer and in the retention of water sources.
District Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer, Dr. E. Khongjoh said that with the growth in population, our environment has been destroyed and depleted. Thus this has give rise to pollution and destruction of water sources.
