Observations of World Environment Day continued in various corners of the state. The day fell on a Sunday this year but Meghalaya has also been holding a week’s worth of activities.
In Ampati, South West Garo Hills, leader of the opposition Dr Mukul Sangma called on ‘generation next’ to preserve the ecological heritage of Meghalaya.
We borrow the Earth from our future generations, the former Chief Minister told a gathering of students.
Although the state is abundant in flora and fauna, much of it unique to this part of the world, the environment is under pressure from local population growth, industrial development and global climate change factors. Overall, the state has lost forest cover over the last few years.
Dr Sangma reminded the students of their duty and stressed on corrective measures and a conservational approach in taking care of the state. He also discussed the responsibility of policymakers in constituting pro-environment agendas to save the planet.
The Trinamool Congress, which organised the event, could not help but criticise the state government as well, saying that “incidents of illegal procedures of mining coal, sand and hacking of timber right under the state government’s nose are disrupting the ecological balance in the state. Rivers like Umshyrpi and Wahumkhrah (both of which flow through Shillong) are polluted with chemical wastage.”
Aiming to raise awareness against the destruction of natural resources and climate change, the Meghalaya TMC sent out a series of tweets questioning the government’s role in conserving the environment.
In Nongrah, Shillong, Rainbow Kids Preschool celebrated Environment Week by planting saplings to instill awareness among children.
Speaking to Highland Post, Principal Dahun Rynjah said, “It is profoundly important to encourage our young minds to take care of the environment and taking these small steps can make a big difference for the generations to come.”
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) East Khasi Hills, under the Department of Agriculture, celebrated World Environment Day today.
On this occasion, an inter-school drawing/painting competition was organised on the topic ‘Living in Harmony with Environment’, which was attended by a number of schools from the Upper Shillong area.
First prize was bagged by Bantei Nongsiej of Sanshnong Secondary School, second prize by Ibashida Kharsahnoh of St Gabriel Higher Secondary School and third prize by Poonam Rai of Gorkha Higher Secondary School.
At the end of the competition, all the students were given an opportunity to plant a number of tree saplings and other hedge plants along with the invitees, teachers and staff of KVK East Khasi Hills on the premises.
The morning session also included an open session in which the teachers accompanying the students were given an opportunity to share their views and observations on the topic as well as the developmental activities of the centre.
In Jowai, World Environment Day was celebrated today with Thadlaskein Block Development Officer D Blah present as the chief guest.
She reminded the gathering on the importance of World Environment Day and called for collective effort of residents to save it and to pledge and do their bit to contribute by planting more trees, keeping the environment clean, avoid plastic usage, instead carrying grocery bags from home, their own water bottles and to change the way they decide on how to go about their daily lives to live in harmony with the environment.
The programme was organized by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency-CLLMP, Jowai, in collaboration with the district administration.
Other MBMA activities over the past week included tree plantation at the Deputy Commissioner’s residence, municipal premises, Adventist Training School and Thadlaskein Block Development Office. Around 700 saplings were planted and competitions that included essay writing and drawing on the topic ‘Only One Earth’ and debate on the topic ‘Urbanisation – A boon or Bane?’ were held with 20 schools taking part. The winners were awarded with certificates.
In Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, World Environment Day was observed through various activities, such as a tree plantation drive in different parts of the district, cleanliness awareness programmes and drawing, debate and essay competitions.
North Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner RP Marak spoke on environmental issues and urged the assembly of students, members of self-help groups, village leaders and district officials to reaffirm their pledge towards preserving, protecting and conserving the environment.
“On every Environment Day we go about planting trees and discuss measures for the wellness of Mother Nature but the very next day we ignore the environment. Commitment from all stakeholders is the need of the hour if we want to preserve a healthy environment for this generation and the next to come,” added Marak.
During the programme, a skit on protection of environment performed by students of Paschal Secondary School, Resubelpara.
The day was also observed at Mendipathar College, which was designated as a green model polling station by the Election Commission.
Back in Shillong, the Hindi Catholic Community (HCC), under the Mary Help of Christians Parish, Shillong, marked the occasion at the Pastoral Centre here. Around 200 community members were present and planted 20 plum, 20 peach, 10 camelia and five apple trees along with two azalea plants. Vermi compost was used as a natural fertiliser.
Individuals from the community have adopted these plants for the next three years to ensure 100 percent survival. Rev Fr AL Jose, the centre’s rector, also assured of proper care.
T Jude Xalxo, the HCC secretary and Deputy Project Director of the MBMA, said, “The community believes that the Mother Nature provides humanity with food, water and air all free of cost, the existential requirements of human life; as such, taking care of Mother Nature is our primary duty.”
