SHILLONG: It’s that time of the year again when a number of tree-planting programmes among other events are held across the State to celebrate what is called the World Environment Day.
Keeping in line with the trend, the Forest and Environment department has chalked out a weeklong schedule which includes awareness programmes wherein officers from the department will visit different locations to create awareness about environment protection and tree plantation.
While tree saplings are being given out to people to plant them, various programmes such as quiz competitions, seminars etc., are also being organised on the occasion.
The theme for this year’s World Environment Day is, “Go wild for life-zero tolerance for the illegal wildlife trade.”
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board in collaboration with different vehicle shows rooms and NGOs would also organize vehicle emission testing camps in different parts of the city.
Speaking about the importance of the day, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (SF & E), CP Marak said that nearly 77 per cent of the total geographical area of the State is under forest cover.
He pointed out that under the National Forest Policy, 66 per cent of the geographical area of a state must be under forest cover.
Denies reports of unabated timber smuggling in Garo Hills
Reacting to a query on timber smuggling in forest reserves of the State, especially in Garo Hills, the official said that stray cases have been reported and the staff of the department are trying their best to restrict such incidents.
Municipal bodies should coordinate in urban areas
When asked about the dwindling greenery in the urban areas of the State, he said that as per the 12th Schedule of the Constitution, the protection of environment is not only a responsibility of the Forest and Environment department but also of the municipal bodies.
“The department is maintaining gardens and parks in the urban areas of the State,” he said.
Answering a question about felling of tress in the city by private individuals to pave way for concrete buildings, he said that under the Meghalaya Tree Preservation Act, 1976, any person who wants to cut a tree within a 10 km radius of Shillong must obtain permission from the District Forest Officer with a condition that he would have to plant more trees to replace the one being destroyed.
“The Act was passed in 1976 and later some more localities were added,” he said adding that many people do come forward to take permission before cutting trees.
It may be mentioned that the World Environment Day is observed since 1973 to create global awareness on the importance of conserving Earth and the day is celebrated on June 5 every year.
Meanwhile, a “Clean Wahumkhrah campaign” was organized on Saturday on this occasion.
A number of other organisations, NGOs etc., are also going for plantation drives on the occasion.
