Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA/NONGPOH, June 5: Meghalaya joined the rest of the world on Friday to celebrate World Environment Day 2026 with tree plantation drives, cleaning campaigns and awareness programmes across the state, bringing together government agencies, educational institutions community organisations and locals in a collective effort to promote environmental conservation and climate action.
Celebrations in EKH and Ri-Bhoi
In East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi, a series of activities were organised under this year’s theme, ‘Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future’.
At the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Padma Shri recipient Hally War, who attended the event as the chief guest, underscored the vital role of youths in safeguarding natural resources and encouraged students to embrace biodegradable alternatives to plastic.
ICAR Director Dr. G. Kadirvel, meanwhile, stressed that environmental conservation is essential for a sustainable future and called for the integration of environmental education into formal learning systems.
At Sohkhwai village, the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Umiam, observed the day in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Khet Bachao Abhiyan. Dean Dr. Dwipendra Thakuria highlighted the adverse effects of indiscriminate pesticide use and emphasised the importance of preserving Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) to support sustainable agriculture.
Community participation also featured prominently in the celebrations. The collective organisations of Nongsohphoh Upper Mawprem, including the Dorbar Shnong and Seng Samla, conducted a mass plantation drive aimed at restoring green cover and mitigating urban heat.
The programme was attended by Executive Magistrate Dr. Shannon N. Sangma as well as officials from the Directorate of Urban Affairs and the Public Works Department.
The Meghalaya Pensioners’ Association, in collaboration with the 1st MLP Battalion, organised a plantation programme at the battalion campus in Mawiong, while PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Umroi Cantt saw 48 NCC cadets plant 43 saplings within the school premises.
Meanwhile, Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) organised a cleaning drive at its Umsawli campus, whilst Sankardev College marked the occasion with a documentary screening on climate change and administered an environmental pledge to 148 students.
Seng Kynthei Laitumkhrah, in partnership with Don Bosco Technical School, also conducted a plantation programme and distributed saplings to students.
Among NGOs, SPARK carried out awareness programmes across several communities and planted more than 1,000 saplings. The initiative brought together underprivileged children, youth and elderly residents, with a strong focus on nurturing and protecting trees beyond the day’s celebrations.
Saindur Enviro Pvt. Ltd. introduced an innovative ‘Tag the Tree’ initiative at Mawtnum Presbyterian School, where each sapling was named after the student responsible for planting it, encouraging long-term care and ownership.
My Bharat Shillong also organised a plantation drive at Mawryngkneng with the participation of local youths and community leaders.
Adding a cultural dimension to the observance, the Deep Jyoti Socio-Environmental Society incorporated environmental conservation into its Bohagi Bidai celebrations through plantation drives at several locations in Shillong, including Sishu Mandir Secondary School and Laitumkhrah Assamese Higher Secondary School.
Celebrations in Garo Hills
In the Garo Hills region, World Environment Day was observed through extensive plantation drives and awareness programmes centred on conservation and sustainable agriculture.
In South West Garo Hills, the MegLIFE Project, supported by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organised plantation drives at Ghilajuri and Merengkipara villages in Zikzak Block as part of the state government’s mission to plant one million trees. Officials, village leaders and residents participated in the initiative aimed at enhancing green cover and strengthening community-led environmental stewardship.
In South Garo Hills, the CAU-KVK observed the day at Sibbari Chambilgre village and the KVK campus in convergence with the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. The programme, attended by 169 participants including farmers and rural youth, featured demonstrations on the use of bio-fertilisers and the preparation of Bordeaux mixture to improve soil health and crop protection. Fruit trees were also planted to promote climate-resilient farming and sustainable livelihoods.
Meanwhile, in West Garo Hills, local organisations spearheaded several green initiatives. The Tura Natya Samity, in collaboration with the Babupara and Nikrang A’ding development committees, planted 100 saplings in catchment areas within the Babupara locality. The A’gitok Chra association also marked the occasion with a plantation drive at Rangwalkamgre village.
Participants across the Garo Hills stressed that such initiatives are crucial for preserving biodiversity, combating climate change and securing a healthier environment for future generations, while calling for continued community involvement in environmental protection and sustainable land management.
