Our Bureau
SHILLONG/NONGPOH, June 6: World Environment Day celebrations continued in parts of Meghalaya on Saturday, with communities, educational institutions and government agencies organising plantation drives and awareness programmes to disseminate the message of environmental conservation and collective responsibility towards a greener future.
In a major initiative aimed at restoring and preserving Lum Wyrtoh, the sacred hill and traditional religious site of Raid Nongpoh, the seven clans of the Raid—Lyngdoh Sad, Lyngdoh Bishar, Syngkli, Nongmalieh, Marai Sangot, Marai Pator and Lapang—along with the support of various organisations, undertook a massive tree plantation drive, planting thousands of saplings of different tree, fruit-bearing species and medicinal plants.
The plantation programme was organised as part of ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the sacred forest and strengthen environmental conservation. It also coincided with initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and enhancing the ecological value of the area.
Speaking to reporters, Replin Lapang, Longman Mansan of Raid Nongpoh, said the large-scale plantation drive was undertaken to restore the greenery of Lum Wyrtoh, which has gradually suffered due to indiscriminate felling of trees over the years.
He said the initiative was intended not only to replenish the forest cover but also to ensure cleaner air and a healthier environment for future generations.
According to him, the plantation drive would serve as an example of the community’s commitment towards environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources.
John Rymbai, who was appointed by the Raid as the caretaker of Lum Wyrtoh, informed that during the nearly four years since assuming responsibility for the sacred hill, he had personally overseen the planting of thousands of saplings of various species, many of which have now grown steadily and taken root across the area.
He further stated that the Raid Nongpoh, in collaboration with the Soil and Water Conservation department, had secured more than 20,000 saplings of different tree and fruit-bearing species, which were planted during the programme.
The remaining saplings, including several medicinal plant species, will continue to be planted over the next month until the entire target is achieved.
Rymbai also noted that according to local oral traditions, Lum Wyrtoh was once covered with large trees and inhabited by a rich variety of wildlife.
He said his long-term vision is to restore the hill to its former ecological richness, enabling wildlife to return and thrive while also developing the area into a potential bird-watching destination.
At the same time, he appealed to visitors and picnickers frequenting the hill to act responsibly and refrain from littering the area with plastic waste, bottles and other pollutants.
He urged the public to respect the sanctity of the site and maintain cleanliness so that the natural beauty of Lum Wyrtoh can be preserved for generations to come.
Meanwhile, the Forests & Environment department, through the Social Forestry & Environment Wing, in collaboration with IIM Shillong, celebrated World Environment Day 2026 at the IIM Shillong campus in Umsawli on Friday under the theme ‘Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future’.
The event witnessed the participation of around 250 students from schools including St. Edmund’s School, BK Bajoria School and St. Margaret’s School, besides officials, faculty members, staff and members of the IIM Shillong community.
A plantation drive involving local native species was carried out to promote environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation and collective responsibility.
Addressing the gathering, D. Sathiyan, IFS, PCCF i/c & HoFF, Meghalaya, spoke about various initiatives undertaken by the Forests & Environment department for environmental conservation, afforestation and community participation. The DFO, Social Forestry Division, highlighted the importance of plantation and public involvement in protecting the environment.
Prof. Naliniprava Tripathy, Director in charge, IIM Shillong, urged participants, particularly students, to plant and nurture trees as a personal responsibility towards nature and future generations.
She emphasised that environmental conservation requires sustained collective action.
Teachers and students of Cantonment Board School, Shillong, also celebrated World Environment Day with enthusiasm and a shared commitment towards environmental conservation.
The programme featured awareness talks that highlighted the importance of protecting nature and adopting sustainable practices in daily life.
Students actively participated in tree plantation activities and pledged to contribute towards a cleaner and greener environment, while teachers encouraged them to become responsible citizens and ambassadors of environmental protection.
Similarly, William Carey University, Meghalaya, hosted a meaningful observance of World Environment Day under the global theme ‘Inspired by Nature, For Climate. For Our Future’.
The university brought together students, faculty, staff and community partners for a day of learning, action and inspiration aimed at strengthening climate awareness and promoting sustainable practices.
