SHILLONG: The District Basin Development Unit in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills led by additional deputy commissioner, D.M. Wallang organised an awareness cum plantation programme for children with special needs studying at Mother Elizabeth School for the Visually Impaired at Nongbah village on Tuesday.
Forty six students from Class IV to VI along with the Franciscan Sisters took part in the programme. The students belong to Jaintia Hills (East & West), East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts.
Around 100 saplings of black berry (Sohiong) sponsored by the district horticulture officer, Jowai were planted by the students. T-Shirts with the message ‘I’m A Green Ambassador’ written on them were distributed to all.
Speaking on the occasion, Wallang, who is also the vice chairperson, DBDU, Jowai underlined the need to preserve and protect the environment.
“You need to not only plant trees but also take steps to protect the trees planted so that they grow,” he said.
Highlighting the theme of World Environment Day – “Beat Plastic Pollution” – Wallang said the practice of cleanliness should start at home and at a very young age.
The concept of the programme is to involve the young children as volunteers to nurture and preserve nature for the generations to come.
Students and communities were engaged in tree plantation with each sapling named after them to inculcate in them a sense of ownership to raise and preserve the saplings and also to realise the objective of ”One Citizen One Tree”.
Addressing the gathering, the Mother Superior in-charge expressed her gratitude to the DBDU Jowai for selecting the school for the programme.
DBDU, Jowai will organise the concluding function of the World Environment Day celebration, along with the district administration on June 21 at Ialong Eco Park. W. Shylla, MLA will grace the occasion as chief guest.
