By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 6: In an ongoing celebration of World Environment Day, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) hosted an event at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Mawphlang, under the theme ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.’ This event, held near Mawphlang dam, included the release of a video emphasising the reservoir’s importance and the environmental impacts of sand and stone mining on water quality.
Commissioner and Secretary of Forests and Environment department, Pravin Bakshi, highlighted recent environmental imbalances, from drastic drops in water levels at Umiam dam due to lack of rain to subsequent flooding in Shillong. He linked these issues to local deforestation, jhum cultivation, and global forest fires. The Lyngdoh of Hima Mawphlang, CA Lyngdoh, stressed the role of sacred groves as biodiversity hotspots and the importance of indigenous environmental knowledge.
The event saw the participation of various dignitaries including Principal of JNV Mawphlang Neelam Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer Arun Mathuram, Chairman of MSPCB R Nanamalai and Member and Secretary of MSPCB, GH Chyrmang. They planted around 300 saplings at the school premises, symbolising a collective commitment to environmental conservation.
Anthropological Survey of India’s edn prog
The North East Regional Centre of the Anthropological Survey of India in Shillong celebrated World Environment Day with presentations and lectures on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.
Senior Environmental Engineer WR Kharkrang and Dr Bibhash Dhar, a retired superintendent anthropologist, shared their insights on these themes. The programme ended with a documentary screening on the Raha community of Madhya Pradesh, with focus on the anthropological perspectives on environmental issues.
NEIGRIHMS leads a
day of env activities
The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) marked World Environment Day with a series of activities focusing on land restoration and environmental sustainability. Collaborating with Assam Rifles, NEIGRIHMS initiated a large-scale plantation drive. Competitions for posters, slogans, and creating useful items from waste encouraged community engagement and creativity.
NEIGRIHMS Director Prof Nalin Mehta underscored the connection between environmental health and human well-being, advocating for sustainable practices. The event’s success was highlighted by the participation of Lt. Gen. PC Nair of Assam Rifles, who contributed 150 saplings for the plantation drive.
AROH foundation hosts celebration in city school
World Environment Day was also celebrated at Laitlum Presbyterian LP School in the city, organized by AROH Foundation and supported by HDFC Bank. This celebration, part of the ‘Parivarta (Holistic Rural Development Program),’ aimed to raise awareness about land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.
The programme featured speeches from E Nongspung, Chairman, and A Warjri, AROH Foundation’s Project Coordinator, who thanked local authorities and the school for their support. Head teacher B. Kharkongor highlighted the critical need to preserve Earth’s resources and urged participants to take environmental responsibility seriously. The event concluded with tree planting activities involving guests and students.