Chief Minister N. Biren Singh officially launched the Chief Minister’s Green Manipur Mission by planting a tree sapling at the complex of Socio Economic and Environment Development Society (SEEDS) located near Saheibung village in Kangpokpi District on Saturday.

The brainchild of N. Biren Singh, the mission sets theraget of developing and protecting forests in each and every village of the State. An open gym, worth Rs. 5 to 6 lakhs will be installed as incentive in each village willing to set aside at least 5 acres of land for development of forest.

Speaking at the launching function organised at the complex, the Chief Minister said that

“Manipur once known for its salubrious climate has also started facing the impact of environmental degradation. It is high time to protect and develop forests in each and every locality for a sustainable living,” the chief minister said during the launching event.

Biren further observed that the culture of conserving forests at the Umang Lai (Forest deity) complexes was a far sighted scientific tradition.

“Rampant felling of trees in the hills of Manipur has created soil erosion leading to siltation of rivers and lakes,” the Chief Minister said. The Chief Minister also urged the Departments concerned and public to plant maximum number of saplings during this monsoon season.

State Planning Board Deputy Chairman Shri S. Rajen Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Shri K. Angami, All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) president Bijoy Kangchingtabam, SEEDS president A. Mobi and Saheibung village chief Shri Athang also attended the function as dignitaries.

The function was organised by Department of Forest with supports from Directorate of Environment and Socio Economic and Environment Development Society (SEEDS).