Tree plantation and cleaning drives were held across the State to mark World Environment Day under the theme, ‘Beat Plastic Pollution.’
In Raj Bhavan, Governor Phagu Chauhan planted five tree saplings in the lawns while a cleaning drive was also held within the premises involving all the staff members. The collective effort was aimed to ensure a clean and hygienic environment while fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
The Border Security Force (BSF) carried out tree plantation drives in different border outposts and educated villagers on environmental changes. The jawans also took a pledge to make all possible changes in their daily life to protect the environment and motivate others on the importance of environmental friendly habits. Its
The students of BSF senior secondary school also participated in a cleanliness drive to make the school and its surrounding area plastic and litter free.
IG BSF urged all to lay great emphasis on the need for sustainable living in this age of indiscriminate waste production and climate change.
The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) held a series of events and activities to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution.
Besides tree plantation and a cleaning drive, a plastic cleanup campaign, display of items from waste materials by the students of College of Nursing was also organised in the campus. A seminar, poster and quiz competition as well as felicitation of sanitation workers who have done exemplary work in the fields of plantation and horticulture was also held.
The institute also released t-Shirts and caps with the theme #Beat Plastic Pollution and Swachh Bharat:Swasth Bharat.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) East Khasi Hills conducted an Inter School Quiz Competition and Drawing Competition for schools in and around Upper Shillong area with an objective to bring about awareness amongst the participants on the importance of caring for the environment by reducing plastic pollution.
As part of the programme, a tree plantation was also carried out by the teachers and students of the various schools with tree saplings received from the Range Forest Officer.
In Mawkyrwat, the day was observed at the Mini Secretariat. South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Tableland Lyngwa stressed on recycling of the used items which he hoped will help in reducing plastic use.
Superintendent of Police J.D. Kharwanlang spoke on conservation and preservation of environment by scientific mining and rejuvenation of areas destroyed due to human activities such as exploitation of natural resources. He urged people to stop burning grasslands that will result in forest fires.
The programme was followed by tree plantation within the campus of Mini Secretariat and Children’s Park, Laitlawsang. A documentary film based on the theme was also screened on the occasion.
The West Jaiñtia Hills district administration began the celebration by reducing their carbon footprint, avoiding unnecessary waste, and reducing the use of fossil fuels by travelling to Samanlang Pastoral Center, Lumbihsyntu, Mihmyntdu, which is the venue for the event, in a bus.
Deputy Commissioner, Batlang S Sohliya spoke about the harmful impacts of plastic usage and urged the people to reduce the usage of the same by using biodegradable bags (pla iew) instead. He also urged the residents to be accountable and take appropriate steps individually and collectively towards making the environment a better place to live.
ADC F Basan informed that the district administration has limited the use of plastic with no flex, no plastic water bottle, no banner and thus setting a prime example today being the World Environment Day. He also mentioned about LIFE mission where various activities have been taken up by various line departments in the district to implement it.
The Forest Department gave a presentation on the importance of the Wildlife Protection Act in the context of the recent birds known as Himalayan Griffon Vulture seen in the district recently. Waste Management was also discussed by Dr. HH Mohrmen and a short speech from Pynbeit Passah NIC on the responsibility of a citizen to the environment.
KOSCY (keep our surrounding clean) SHG in West Jaiñtia Hills in collaboration with the North East Institute of Professional Studies and the Jowai Municipal Board conduct a cleaning drive from Tyrchi fall down to the Myntdu River.
In East Jaiñtia Hills, the District Mission Coordination in collaboration with the Bharat Scouts and Guides, Khliehriat conducted a rally on the theme, ‘Solution for Plastic Pollution’. Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal called for preservation of the environment and urged people not to throw plastic items indiscriminately.
Topcem Cement held a tree plantation drive. The company already has an area named, ‘Green Colony’ where a variety of trees and plants were raised to minimise cement pollutants within its premises.
The Khasi Student Union, Narpuh Circle organised drawing and slogan competitions for students at the Divine Word Secondary School Lumshnong. Six schools participated in the event.
In Ri Bhoi, the ICAR-KVK organised a programme which was also participated by farmers from Umeit village. Tree saplings of medicinal value were planted on the occasion. A pledge for “Lifestyle for Environment” was also taken at the programme.
ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam also conducted a programme at the residential complex of the institute.
ICAR-RC-NEH Director Dr. V.K. Mishra stressed that environment day should not be a one day affair but should be a regular behaviour.
A procession was also taken by the staff and family members of the institute and planting of about 100 local tree saplings.
In West Garo Hills, the National Service Scheme (NSS) of ICFAI University Meghalaya marked the day under the theme “Mission Life.”
A pledge to improve one’s lifestyle and encourage family members, friends, and relatives to adopt environmentally friendly habits was taken by teachers, student and staff followed by a tree plantation drive in the campus.
The NSS unit of William Carey University, Meghalaya in collaboration with the Department of Environment Management and Science and the Department of Social Work planted 80 tree saplings at the Diengpasoh Upper Primary School campus and 30 in Nongmensong.
