CM takes tree plantation drive to Kpi village
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, July 05 2021: As a part of the 72nd Van Mahotsav celebration, the State Government carried out a mass tree plantation programme at Mangjol village and Kangpokpi Reserved Forest today.

The programme was organised by the Forest Department.

Reportedly, it was the 'first ever' tree plantation programme being taken up in a Reserved Forest area in connection with Van Mahotsav in the State.

On the occasion, Chief Minister N Biren Singh maintained that every land in the State belongs to the Government and it has the authority to use those lands for the development and wellbeing of the people.

He appealed to the public to co-operate in the development policies and projects taken up by the Government.

Appreciating the chief and locals of Mangjol village for their invaluable support in today's programme, the Chief Minister stated that the programme was taken up to restore the environment.

Such an initiative would help in preventing landslides during the rainy season and also facilitate storing and supply of water to the villages, he added.

Stating that none is authorized to take up any activity in reserved forest areas without the consent of the Forest Department, he urged all to stop carrying out illegal activities in the reserved areas but approach the Government authority in case they need alternative arrangement for livelihood.

He also instructed the Superintendent of Police of the district and authorities concerned to meet the people aware of the schemes and policies introduced by the Government for alternative ways of earning without affecting the forest areas.

With regard to COVID-19, he appealed to the public to get vaccinated and cooperate in the Government's fight against the pandemic.

Forest Minister Awangbow Newmai, while delivering his presidential speech, expressed concern on the alarming rate of deforestation in the State.

He informed that about 400 square kilometres of forest areas are being cleared every year and at this rate, the State would lose almost all its forest coverage in the near future.

He then appealed to all to save forest by planting trees and stop clearing forest areas.

Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba pointed out that large scale deforestation and environmental degradation is one of the major factors that gives rise to many diseases harmful to humans and stressed on the need to stop exploitation of forest but coexist with nature.

The MP hailed N Biren Singh for his initiative to develop both hills and valley regions equally.

The people of Mangjol village appreciated N Biren Singh for his initiatives to bridge the gap between the hill and valley regions and taking up developmental works for the welfare of hill people.

MLA, Kangpokpi AC Nemcha Kipgen, Additional Chief Secretary MH Khan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF, Manipur Dr AK Joshi and other Government officials also attended the programme among others.

Comment