JOWAI: Deputy Chief Minister RC Laloo called upon each and every citizen, particularly the students, to care for and protect the environment.
Speaking as the chief guest at a grand function organized by the West Jaintia Hills District Administration jointly with the office of the Divisional Forest Officer (Social Forestry) at Thomas Jones Synod College, Jowai here, Laloo said that environment is one of the most important subjects.
“When you read about the environment, don’t just read to pass your examinations but you must learn and keep it in practice,” he told hundreds of students from more than 20 schools who attended the function.
Laloo, who has a PhD in Ecology and teaches pollution-related topics at NEHU, reminded that prior to the Industrial Revolution, the atmosphere contained very low amounts of carbon dioxide. “But these days, the atmosphere has high percentage of Carbon dioxide, thereby affecting climate across the world”, he said.
Laloo also reminded that few decades ago people never used bottled water as the water was clean and people could drink water directly from rivers and streams. But today, people are using bottled water as water bodies have become highly polluted.
“Don’t let the time to come when people will have to carry oxygen cylinders so that one can breathe in clean air,” Laloo said adding, “We are all responsible for any destruction to the environment”.
The celebration was also attended by government officials from various departments, teachers and head of institutions, senior citizens, MDCs, the Deputy Commissioner, and the Superintendent of Police. Chief Conservator of Forest (Admin), BK Lyngwa, was the guest of honour.
Short plays and songs emphasizing the importance of the environment were also presented by students from different schools.
A procession from Thomas Jones Synod College to Jrisalein playground was also organised. During the march, students carrying placards shouted various slogans all along the route. Trophies were awarded to those schools which performed well in the slogan competition as well as those who displayed meaningful messages on their placards.
