Imphal East, June 20, 2019 (DIPR): As a part of the ‘Green Manipur, Clean Manipur’ campaign, Forest and Environment Minister Shri Thounaojam Shyamkumar today led a mass tree plantation programme at the Chingoi Baruni, Imphal East. The programme was jointly organised by the Forest Department and Directorate of Environment in collaboration with the Green Volunteers and locals of Andro.

Addressing the mediapersons, Minister Shyamkumar said that the mass tree plantation programme is an initiative to combat the climate change which is a burning issue at present. Informing that the plantation programme will continue at the pilgrimage site, he said the target is to plant 1 lakh saplings in the surroundings areas of the Chingoi Baruni. He said various departments like Tourism, Art and Culture will be consulted for possible work which can be implemented in the area to make the place a tourist hotspot maintaining the ecosystem.

Stating that environmental degradation has led to shortage of water at various places in the State, he said the saplings planted in the Chingoi Baruni area will be maintained by the Forest Department. He said the department will also collaborate with the neighbouring villages which lie nearby the Nongmaiching (Baruni) Hill range like Takhel, Nongpok Sanjembam, Sandansemba Maring Khul, Andro, Naharup for maintaining the trees and to stop forest clearings.

Lauding the officials of the Forest Department for nurturing and maintaining the trees in the past, he urged the officers concerned to continue their effort in the future too. Stating that the mass tree plantation programme will be carried out in all the districts in collaboration with the local youths, clubs and various stakeholders, he appealed to the people of the State to come forward and support in combating the climate change.

The mass tree plantation programme was also participated by Shri Oinam Lukhoi Singh, MLA Wangoi AC and Vice Chairman, MIDA; Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, MLA Konthoujam AC and Chairman TCM; Shri Heikham Dingo, MLA Sekmai AC; officials and staffs of the Forest Department and Environment Directorate, volunteers of the Andro and Green Volunteers.