The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Chandel, Dr N. Munal Meitei, continued the tree plantation and environmental awareness campaign by organising a programme at Sora Khull today, where around 100 tree saplings were planted.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the Sora Development Organization, was attended by students of Royal Brighter Higher Secondary School and members of the local Muslim community observing Mawlid Al-Nabi, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Sora Development Organization president Aribam Md. Zakir and secretary Pukhrimayum Md. Tomba also participated.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Munal said trees are essential for human survival and stressed that protecting and nurturing trees is vital to safeguard the environment. He urged students, particularly young people, to actively participate in tree plantation and conservation efforts.
He said 1.5 lakh saplings have been planted across all 16 districts of Manipur under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” campaign during the Van Mahotsav programme held in July. Saplings planted in the names of mothers or Mother Earth are being protected and nurtured by the Forest Department, he said, appealing for public cooperation.
Dr Munal further said the ongoing conflict and unchecked destruction of forests pose serious challenges to the state’s environment and development. He called upon civil society organisations, youths, students and Meira Paibis to join efforts to prevent further destruction of forests.
He appealed to the public to plant, protect and nurture trees to help build a peaceful, environmentally sustainable and developed Manipur for future generations.