SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Monday said that his government was committed to the cause of “conservation of nature for the next generation” which is a global initiative to address climate change.
Sangma was speaking during a programme organised to celebrate the World Environment Day at Madan Sangmein in Upper Shillong.
Sangma, while addressing a gathering, said that as the State joins the global citizens in observing the day, it reflects the commitment of the government and the community to address the issues of global warming and climatic change.
He added that the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Connecting People to Nature’ is befitting to Meghalaya which is blessed with abundance of nature.
Sangma also reminded all that it is the human activities that have led to the degradation of the environment and correction is to be made by the human beings themselves.
He stressed on sustainable livelihood by using scientific knowledge. He further said that the State government has embarked upon a number of multi pronged initiatives to promote sustainable ecology by aggregating the strength of the State with its rich flora and fauna in a convergence mode through its flagship programme the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme (IBDLP).
The Chief Minister also said that the government has been able to create an enabling environment through various interventions and people have come together to ensure that they take advantage of the potentialities. He further said that the environmental issues cannot be dealt in isolation and needs to be taken care of in a comprehensive and collective manner.
The Chief Minister earlier administered the Green Pledge to the gathering and also launched “Seasons Watch-Meghalaya Chapter” website and released the Atlas of Resources in Meghalaya, Green Pages and Green Campaign 2017. He also gave away the Green Awards and prizes of Green Run to the winners.
Sangma also unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the launch of Springshed Development Initiative. The Springshed is a project of Soil & Water Conservation Department and will provide services like contour tapping, construction of check dams etc.
Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, MLA of Mylliem said that the spring shed will revive and rejuvenate the source of water in Lum Shyllong to ensure the water sufficient supply to the whole of Shillong area.
Meanwhile, 1200-1500 indigenous species of trees were planted in Lum Shyllong area on the occasion.
Additional chief secretary, Sreeranjan said that this year the State targets to plant 1.9 million or 19 lakh trees.
