Govt shows env stewardship with tree plantation at new Assembly premises
SHILLONG, July 23: Governor CH Vijayashankar on Wednesday urged the state government to prioritise medicinal plants and native species in its plantation drives.
He was speaking at a tree plantation programme at the new Assembly premises in Mawdiangdiang, which was organised by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, in collaboration with the State Forest department on Wednesday.
In his address, the Governor said that Meghalaya—often regarded as a “hub of medicinal plants”—must focus on preserving species that can survive for 25 to 100 years and offer long-term health benefits, including the treatment of diseases such as cancer. He called on forest officials and the government to allocate space for medicinal plants and ensure their protection for future generations.
Highlighting that Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall in the world and is one of the greenest regions in the country, the Governor said the state’s unique climatic conditions make it especially suited for botanical conservation.
He also cautioned against monoculture practices, warning that they can lead to ecological imbalances. Instead, he advocated for the preservation of endangered native species and urged the government to prepare a list of such trees to be prioritised in conservation efforts.
The Governor commended the Speaker of the Assembly for initiating the plantation programme and praised the scenic setting of the new Assembly complex.
Reflecting on his past interactions, the Governor noted that many visitors describe Meghalaya as “heaven,” and added that its people are fortunate to be born in such a place. However, he expressed concern over declining rainfall levels and ecological changes in areas like Cherrapunji, underscoring the urgency of environmental action.
The event saw active participation from the Governor, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira, and several legislators across party lines.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, while acknowledging the symbolic value of the initiative, urged that the commitment must extend beyond the ceremonial.
He called upon legislators to continue nurturing the saplings they planted, linking the drive to the broader and increasingly urgent discourse on climate change. Its impact, he noted, is no longer theoretical but visibly affecting even rain-rich regions like Meghalaya.
Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma highlighted that the bipartisan participation of lawmakers reflected a shared responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. He described the plantation drive not as a mere ritual, but as a concrete commitment to sustainability and ecological balance. He also referred to the new Assembly complex as a “green beacon” — a symbol of resilience and development grounded in environmental stewardship.
The drive transformed the legislative precinct into a vibrant green landscape, featuring a diverse selection of native and medicinal species, some known for their cancer-curing properties, according to forestry officials.
With the involvement of nearly the entire House, the programme aimed to set a strong precedent for institutional responsibility in advancing climate resilience.
As Meghalaya continues to receive some of the highest rainfall in the world, both environmentalists and officials view such community-backed efforts as vital in preserving the state’s fragile yet abundant ecological heritage.
CM praises Governor’s grit, strength
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister publicly lauded Governor Vijayashankar’s determination and strength, recalling how the Governor had addressed the Assembly during the Budget Session earlier this year while seated in a wheelchair, battling significant health issues at the time.
Sangma said the Governor had been through a difficult medical phase over the past three to four months, yet had shown admirable resilience.
Reflecting on the day, the Chief Minister recounted that the Governor could have easily opted to step back, given the pain and challenges he was facing. Instead, he chose to uphold his responsibility, insisting on delivering his constitutionally mandated address despite requiring a wheelchair to enter the Assembly hall.
Describing it as a moment that deeply moved many, Sangma said the Governor’s act symbolised dedication to duty, even in the face of personal discomfort.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for that gesture and said it had not gone unnoticed by the legislators and the people of the state.
The chief minister further noted that the Governor’s condition had improved visibly since then.
He remarked with relief and joy that during the present programme, the Governor was no longer in a wheelchair and was able to walk and engage without physical aid. Sangma said this recovery was not only encouraging but also a positive sign for the state.
Looking ahead, he expressed hope that the Governor would be fully back to his previous state of health by the time the next Budget Session is convened.
He said the Governor’s presence at the programme despite all odds reflected both strength and concern for public duty.