By Our Reporter
![Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma presents an LED Solar Lantern to a Class X student in the city on Tuesday. (MIPR)](http://www.theshillongtimes.com/tst/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Untitled-3-copy15-411x229.jpg)
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Tuesday launched the ‘Mission Green- Youth for Energy Conservation’ during the celebration of the Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas which marks the 69th birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
The programme was organized by the Meghalaya Non Conventional and Rural Energy Development Agency (MNREDA).
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the growing concern of climate change and the State energy security has posed huge challenges before the policy makers and the government is exploring possibilities to develop renewable energy as an alternative source of energy.
In the words of the Chief Minister, energy mission is among the nine missions under the Meghalaya Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme which will exclusively be designed to create appropriate interventions for building up sustainable energy development through active involvement of the community.
Dr. Sangma also called upon the young sections of the society, particularly the students community, to partner with the government in its endeavour to create awareness among the people about the effects of climate change and the need to adapt to such changes suitably, since implementation of the mission would enable the students to partner with the government by being the ambassadors who would champion for a cleaner and safer environment
While paying rich tribute to the former Prime Minister, Dr. Sangma said the celebration of Renewable Energy Day is a tribute to Rajiv Gandhi’s vision of taking the country forward through application of modern science and technology.
The State Government, on the occasion, also handed over LED solar lanterns to students of different schools.
Under Phase I, of the scheme, LED solar lanterns would be distributed free of cost to as many as 2424 students of Class X of different schools in East Khasi hills District.