Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 694/17

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY OBSERVED IN SHILLONG

Along with the rest of the world, World Environment Day 2017 carrying the theme “Connecting people with Nature” was celebrated on 5th June at an impressive function held at Sangmein, Upper Shillong which was attended by Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma as Chief Guest. Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma, while addressing the gathering said that as the State joins global citizens in observing the day, it reflects the commitment of the Government and the community to address the issues of Global Warming and climatic change. He also added that the theme of this year’s celebration ‘Connecting People to Nature’ is very befitting to Meghalaya that is blessed with abundance of Nature and where people are deeply bonded with Nature. Dr Sangma also reminded all that it is the human activities that have led to the degradation of the environment and correction is to be made by the human being themselves. He said that human activities can culminate to encourage sustainable livelihood to promote sustainable Ecology by engaging in scientific utilization and exploitation. He further said that the State government has embarked upon a number of multi pronged initiatives to promote sustainable Ecology by aggregating the strengths of the State with its rich flora and fauna in a convergence mode through its flagship programme the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme (IBDLP).

The Chief Minister also said that the government has been able to create an enabling environment through various interventions and people have come together to ensure that the potentialities around them are taken advantage of. He further said that the environmental issues cannot be dealt in isolation and needs to be taken care of in a comprehensive and collective manner. He added that Meghalaya can be the forerunner in environmental sustainability by leveraging upon the potentialities of culture, tradition and rich nature inherent to the state and urged the people to be self assisted members of the community ensuring sustainable future for the next generation. The Chief Minister earlier administered the Green Pledge to the gathering and also launched “Seasons Watch-Meghalaya Chapter” website and released the Atlas of Resources in Meghalaya, Green Pages and Green Campaign 2017. He also gave away the Green Awards and prizes of Green Run to the winners. Dr Mukul M Sangma also unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the launch of Springshed Development Initiative. The Springshed is a project of Soil & Water Conservation Department and will provide services like contour tapping, construction of check dams etc.

The World Environment Day celebration was also attended by MDC, Sohra, Dr Shreeranjan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest & Environment, Principal Secretary, Soil & Water Conservation and CEO, MBDA, R M Mishra, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, P S Dkhar, Syiem of Mylliem, participants from schools, representatives from Eco Clubs from all over the state, Headman and local leaders of Mylliem and community based organizations.