Manipur joined the global observance of World Environment Day 2026 on Friday with extensive tree plantation drives, awareness campaigns, environmental pledges, cleanliness initiatives and the launch of the nationwide plantation movement “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” across districts, educational institutions, government departments, security establishments and civil society organisations throughout the State.
The observance was held under the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” bringing together public representatives, government officials, students, environmentalists and community organisations in a collective call for climate action and environmental conservation.
At the State-level function organised by the Department of Environment and Climate Change at the City Convention Centre in Imphal, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam called for greater climate consciousness and collective responsibility in addressing environmental degradation and climate change. He said nature remains humanity’s greatest teacher and provider, but is increasingly under stress due to unsustainable human activities. While awareness programmes are important, he observed that meaningful change can only come when individuals adopt environmentally responsible behaviour in their daily lives.
Principal Secretary (Forest, Environment and Climate Change) Arun Kumar Sinha highlighted the growing challenges posed by climate change, including erratic rainfall, floods, droughts and biodiversity loss. He outlined ongoing initiatives under the Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change, including river rejuvenation, wetland conservation, spring-shed management, afforestation and solid waste management programmes. Director of Environment and Climate Change Dr. T. Brajakumar Singh stressed the urgency of climate action in the face of rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
The programme also witnessed the presentation of environmental awards to individuals for their contributions to conservation, climate communication and sustainable development. Waste management facilities including a Plastic Bottle Bank, Baling Machine and Material Recovery Facility were also handed over during the event.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh marked the occasion by participating in a tree plantation programme at the 50-Bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital, Lamphelpat. Medicinal species such as Arjuna and Ashoka were planted as part of efforts to promote environmental conservation and sustainable healthcare practices.
A major highlight of this year’s observance was the launch of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” by the Forest Department at the Sports Authority of India Complex in Imphal. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Anurag Bajpai described the campaign as a movement to strengthen public commitment towards protecting Mother Nature. He informed that Manipur had exceeded plantation targets during the previous two years and expressed confidence that the State would surpass its current target of 45 lakh saplings by planting nearly 70 lakh saplings this year.
Bajpai noted that Manipur continues to maintain nearly 74 per cent forest cover and urged every citizen to plant and nurture at least one tree. He also announced that orphanages across all districts have been included in this year’s campaign to foster a stronger bond between children and nature.
The campaign was simultaneously launched in several districts. In Kakching, the District Administration observed World Environment Day by planting tree saplings at the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex while joining the nationwide launch of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0”. Similar programmes were held in Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Kangpokpi districts.
In Senapati, the District Administration and Senapati Forest Division organised a cleanliness drive, awareness rally and mass plantation programme as part of the campaign. Officials reported that about 10,500 saplings were planted by 1,370 participants across various forest ranges and the district headquarters.
Ukhrul district witnessed one of the largest plantation efforts under the campaign, with the Ukhrul Forest Division setting a target of planting 2,47,170 saplings. The launch programme was held at Eden Home Orphanage, while plantation activities, awareness campaigns and seedling distribution drives were conducted across the district with the participation of government departments, educational institutions, Assam Rifles, civil society organisations and village authorities.
The Ukhrul District Working Journalists Association, in collaboration with the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, also organised an awareness programme and mass plantation drive at Phungyo Baptist Church. Participants took an environmental pledge before planting saplings at the church cemetery and mission grounds.
In Tamenglong, plantation drives under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” were organised across schools, villages, churches and government offices. Free saplings were distributed among community members, government departments, churches and security forces to encourage public participation in greening efforts.
Educational institutions across the State also organised plantation drives and awareness programmes. The Centre for Myanmar Studies, Manipur University, in collaboration with Apunba Imagi Machasing, conducted a bamboo plantation programme under the theme “Bamboo for Life”, planting Wa-Bo bamboo from Myanmar and indigenous Utang bamboo to promote biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
The Department of Environmental Science and NSS Cell of Manipur University organised a plantation programme under the Mission LiFE initiative, encouraging students to adopt sustainable lifestyles and environmentally responsible practices.
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Imphal East, under Central Agricultural University, organised a programme at Nungkot Kom Village focusing on biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture and climate action. Tree bean, lemon and orange saplings were planted by scientists, farmers and local residents.
The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, observed the day with a plantation programme at its Dental College campus. RIMS Director Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma highlighted the close relationship between environmental and human health and announced plans to introduce electric vehicles for campus transportation as part of the institute’s sustainability initiatives.
In Bishnupur district, the administration felicitated teachers and students of Kumbi Sandhong Upper Primary School in recognition of their contributions to environmental conservation through regular cleanliness drives and plantation activities. Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam encouraged the formation of eco-clubs and greater awareness of waste management practices among students.
Civil society organisations and children’s groups also actively participated in the observance. The Wide Angle Children’s Collective planted more than 200 saplings across eight villages in Imphal West district, promoting child-led environmental action and community participation in conservation efforts.
Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) issued a public appeal urging citizens to reduce pollution, conserve forests, minimise waste and adopt sustainable lifestyles. The organisation warned that continued environmental degradation threatens biodiversity, sustainable development and future generations.
Security forces also joined the observance. The 86 Battalion CRPF conducted a plantation drive in the Lamphelpat area and distributed saplings to members of the public while promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
