Judge laments over Shillong emerging concrete jungle
SHILLONG: The District & Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Khasi Hills R M Ripnar has lamented that Shillong city has emerged as a concrete jungle disturbing the mind and the brain compared to a place which is full of greenery.
Addressing the observation of World Environment Day organized by District Legal Services Authority (DSLA), East Khasi Hills in collaboration with Enterprise Facilitation Centre (EFC), Shella Bholaganj Community & Rural Development Block, Sohra at the office of SDO Sohra Civil Sub Division, on Saturday, Judge Ripnar said that compared to the choked city, the bountiful nature and presence of trees and water around brings relaxation to the mind and reduces tensions.
He also said that remembering the environment should not be limited to World Environment Day and added that it should be a continuous effort. He also added that trees are like sponges which absorb and sustain water sources and moreover, the presence of living trees reduces the extreme heat due to global warming.
Citing the example of the thick and dense forest of Amazon basin, Ripnar said that it brings rainfall and protects the environment, even as he admitted that forest is like a pharmacy where different types of medicinal plants are available for the benefit of human beings.
The function was attended by different dignitaries, teachers and students. The day was observed with tree plantation at the office campus of SDO (Civil) Sohra Civil Sub Division led by the District & Sessions Judge, First Class Judicial Magistrate, teachers and students.
800 saplings planted
Meanwhile, the people of Mawhiang, East Khasi Hills district, in collaboration with the North East Slow Food & Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS), joined hands to observe the World Environment Day by planting around 800 saplings on Saturday. The types of trees included alder trees, timber trees, fruit trees and flowering trees. It was the initiative of the community who took a strong lead in the plantation under the watchful eye of Dr. Carl O. Rangad, former Director of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture, and current vice-chairman, Operations, NESFAS. Elders, youth and children particiapted in the event.
KSU, FKJGP organise various programmes
SHILLONG: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), marked the World Environment Day on Saturday by organizing various programmes on the topic “Ecological Restoration & Environmental Remedies”.
The FKJGP stated that the organization with the participation of the residents, shopkeepers, undertook a cleaning drive from Polo Market to Nongmynsong.
On the same day the organization conducted an Inter School Drawing & Slogan Writing Competition at Polo Parking Lot which was inaugurated by Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh.
25 schools participated at the competition, in the drawing competition Ronaldo Mawlong from Mawlai Presbyterian School bagged the first prize, Sandakor Kharnaior from Christian Academy came second while Robinson Shabong from LEADS Secondary School got third position.
For Slogan Writing, Daren Phanbuh from Church Of God (Ecclesia) was adjudged the winner, Ibarisa Thangkhiew from Christian Academy came second while Khrawbor Lyngdoh from Pynthor Umkhrah Golflink Higher Secondary School bagged the third prize.
The organization conducted the Public Awareness campaign in the evening where people were enlightened on the hazardous activities of mankind that has its affect on the earth.
The vision document of the FKJGP which contain contents on the causes of environmental degradation was also released by the president of the organization, Joe Marwein. On the other hand, KSU, Mawryngkneng observed World Environment Day by conducting awareness programme and campaigns at Orchid Seven Hut Hotel, Mawryngkneng, on Saturday.
Sordar of Mawryngkneng, Peter J Lawai pointed out that stringent rules will be adopted in relation to cutting down of trees, hunting of wild animals, and unregulated fishing. Wanlambok Kharsati advisor, KSU Mawryngkneng circle criticized the state Government for allowing companies to destroy the forests cover at Jaintia Hills to make way for cement factory.
“The industrial effluents have not only affected the environment but create a health risks at the same time. We have voiced our opposition against Uranium mining at West and South West Khasi hills district,” he added.
In the second part of the programme, entitled, “Save Fish Save River Campaign”, the event was to highlight the masses on aquatic animals, altogether 3000 fish seed were released at Wah Lwang.
Cleaning drives
SHILLONG: The Indian Council of Social Welfare (ICSW), observed World Environment Day by organizing a cleaning drive at the ICSW-cum-Crèche at Lower Lachumiere, on Saturday. ICSW president, S.Tham stressed on the importance of cleanliness as duty of every citizen. Members of the organization participated in the cleaning drive.
The youth organization of Malki also organized a cleaning drive covering Iew Malki, Dhankheti, Malki Point with the participation of the shopkeepers, Malki Sport Club, Dorbar Shnong, Nalarympei Mutipurpose Society, Bouncers Association of Meghalaya (BAM), Little Flower School, Seven Set School, Shillong Law College, staff of PWD Road, Municipal among others. Urban Affirs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, was also present at the cleaning drive.
The youth organization stated that indiscriminate throwing of garbage is prohibited at the areas in and around Malki.
Tree plantation
SHILLONG: A two-day tree plantation drive was organized by Assam Regimental Centre as part of World Environment day celebration, on Saturday and Sunday.
In a statement issued here, defense spokesperson Amit Mahajan said that hundreds of saplings were planted and awareness lectures were conducted during the event to educate the students, troops and their families and the local villagers.
Week-long eco-system campaign in Garo Hills begins
TURA: The District Administration, West Garo Hills and IBDLP Basin Development Unit, Tura in collaboration with line departments is organising a weeklong eco-system campaign 2016, ‘Completely Possible’ from June 5 to 11.
The event is organised to mark the World Environment Day and create awareness towards conservation and promotion of green environment as responsible individuals.
‘Completely Possible’, a weeklong eco-system campaign in West Garo Hills which started on Sunday with sapling distribution and pledge taking will be followed with various activities and competitions for everybody in different categories on Monday and Tuesday at SMELC Building, Dakopgre.
Art attack, Signature campaign, Umbrella March will also be conducted during the weeklong programme.