Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 252/19

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY CELEBRATION

Meghalaya Chief Minster, Shri Conrad K Sangma today urged all citizens of the State to ‘plant trees and take care of it’. The Chief Minister was speaking at a tree plantation programme under the Springshed Development Project of the Department of Soil and Water Conservation and NABARD in collaboration with MBDA at Lyngkyrdem, East Khasi Hills, as part of the World Environment Day Celebrations. The project is supported under the NAFFCC Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The project is aimed at rejuvenation of 306 spring sheds located across the State through community participation at the grassroots. Addressing the gathering the Chief Minister said that the Government has embarked upon several initiatives and programs for a cleaner and greener environment. Speaking about the ‘One Citizen One Tree’ campaign the Chief Minister said that the objective of the program is to encourage community participation not only for cleaner air but also to ensure water and soil conservation. Speaking at length about the adverse affects posed by environmental degradation and depletion of green cover, the Chief Minister underlined the need for adopting corrective measures in order to mitigate the dangers of climate change. ‘It is matter of great concern that in the next 15 to 25 years the country and the world at large will face a major water crisis. The need of the hour is to plan ahead. It is only when each one of us take a more proactive role towards effective management of the limited resources that our goal towards a sustainable future can be realised’, he said.

The Chief Minister also said that the Government will be coming out with the State Water Policy in about a month’s time which will give direction and structure towards conservation, proper ultilization of the State’s water resources and ensure that water bodies are protected. Deputy Chief Minister, Shri P. Tynsong while speaking on the occasion stressed on the need for proper care to ensure the survival rate of the planted trees and added that the increased annual number of the planted trees will ensure a better and healthy green cover in the State. Earlier during his address, water conservationist and environmentalist, Dr. Rajendra Singh highlighted the need for a decentralised and community driven system of water management to counter water scarcity in the region. One Citizen One Tree is a great initiative of the government and I hope that Meghalaya can set an example to the whole country in the field of environmental protection and conservation, he added. Later in the day the Chief Minister also addressed a gathering of School Children at a program organised by the Dorbar Shnong of Smit. The Chief Minister spoke to the students on the importance being proactive towards environmental conservation efforts.

‘We must all contribute to the environment. Reduce our consumption, Reuse what we can, and Recycle what can be recycled’ the Chief Minister said referring to the three R’s for judicious use of resources. The Chief Minister also officially launched the organic bags manufactured by Saindur Enviro Pvt Ltd. at a small function held at St. Edmund’s School, School. The carry bags are made of 100 percent biodegradable material, which decompose easily reducing environmental pollution through use of plastic bags. The Chief Minister also launched the Meghalaya Electric Mobility Program a government initiative to promote Electric Mobility solutions and reduce the impact of carbon emissions.