SHILLONG: More than 40 community reserved forests have been declared as reserved forests by the Forest department working jointly with the local communities to counter the depleting forest cover in the State.
This was informed by the Minister for Forest and Environment, P. Tynsong here on Monday. Tynsong stated that the Forest Department was committed to preserve the rich biodiversity of the State.
Inaugurating the World Environment Week, 2016 organized by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills and Basin Development Unit, East Khasi Hills at Moreau Institute of Integral Training here on Monday, he emphasized on the urgent need to preserve nature for the very survival of mankind as signs of drastic changes in the climate in different parts of the world served a warning bell to one and all.
Later, to mark the occasion, the chief guest and other dignitaries performed a ceremonial tree plantation in and around the premises.
The theme for the celebration is “Zero tolerance for the illegal wildlife trade”, while the sub theme is “Save Wildlife, Save Meghalaya”.
The programme for the World Environment Week includes slogan writing, painting competition, lectures and presentations on environment, extempore speech and essay competition for school and college students, awareness march and tree planting by villages, schools and colleges.
The programme will involve stakeholders from across the district.
Others who spoke on the occasion include S. Ashutosh, Additional PCCF and Additional CEO, MBDA, P. S. Dkhar, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman BDU, East Khasi Hills district.
The programme was attended by officials from various line departments, head of institutions and students.
A similar programme was also held at South West Khasi Hills where R. Lyngdoh, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of Basin Development Unit of South West Khasi Hills inaugurated the Basin Environment Week at the Multipurpose Hall, Deputy Commissioner Office, Mawkyrwat.
