The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Chandel, in collaboration with the 21 Assam Rifles, celebrated National Endangered Species Day along with Advance World Environment Day 2025 today at the Battalion Headquarters of the Assam Rifles in Chandel. On the occasion, around 350 endangered plant saplings were planted by personnel of the 21 Assam Rifles and staff of the Chandel Forest Department.
Among the endangered plant species planted today were Heirangkhoi, Heinoujom, Gihori, Chorphon, Chouyee, Agarwood, Manahi, Mayokpha, and Nageshwor, among others. These species were once abundant but are now increasingly endangered.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. N. Munal Meitei, Divisional Forest Officer of Chandel, remarked that although India is one of the most populated countries and is progressing in various fields, the environment has been greatly affected. He stressed that the Indian Armed Forces also have a significant role to play in protecting and improving the environment.
He pointed out that India has over 51 lakh personnel in its armed forces, including 25 lakh in the Indian Army. “If each of these 51 lakh personnel plants just one sapling, it would contribute greatly towards protecting and restoring the environment. If in this year alone, every soldier plants one sapling and helps it grow, it could add up to 51 lakh trees, which would be a significant boost to our degrading environment,” he said.
Dr. Munal further stated that protecting our vulnerable environment is also part of national security. “To protect our environment, especially along sensitive borders like those with Pakistan and China, we must consider environmental conservation as an act under the scope of the National Security Acts,” he appealed.
Quoting the State of the World’s Plants and Fungi report, Dr. Munal warned that 39.4% of plant species worldwide are at risk of extinction. In the case of mushrooms and fungi, approximately 28% are also under threat.
He praised the participating jawans for their contribution in planting these endangered species and stressed that these saplings must be identified, documented, and protected as they are rare and native to our land. This, he said, will create a legacy of environmental guardianship.
Dr. N. Munal Meitei stated that today’s celebration of National Endangered Species Day and Advance World Environment Day 2025 is a meaningful step forward. He appealed to all attendees to work together to bring about positive change and safeguard our natural heritage.