The Association of MSAP (Manipur Students Association Pune) Alumni Manipur, in collaboration with the Institute of Cooperative Management (ICM), Imphal, Young Organising Club (YOC), Kodompokpi Maning Leikai (Mekola), and the Forest Department, today launched a year-long tree plantation campaign titled “Ningol Van (Mekola)” under the theme “Now for Climate” at Mekola in Imphal West district.
The campaign was inaugurated by MLA Thangjam Arunkumar Singh, who is also associated with the Association of MSAP Alumni Manipur. The programme was attended by Longjam Joykumar, Chief Conservator of Forests; R.K. Amarjit, Special Secretary, Forest, Environment, Climate Change and Land Resources Department and Conservator of Forests; Vikram Suresh Nadhe, Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division; Prof. Dr. Th. Asha Sinha, President of the Association of MSAP Alumni Manipur; social worker Soraisam Manaoton; and Prof. Kh. Ramanando, Director of ICM, Imphal, among other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Thangjam Arunkumar Singh said that humanity cannot live peacefully without protecting and preserving nature through sustained tree plantation and conservation efforts. He observed that the recurring floods witnessed in recent years are linked to the depletion of forest cover in the hills.
The MLA also stated that tree plantation drives should not be undertaken merely for monetary gains. Referring to increasing concerns over rising temperatures, heat waves and sunstroke cases, he said such developments are consequences of environmental degradation and the destruction of natural ecosystems. He called upon the public to conserve and restore nature to ensure a safe and sustainable future for coming generations.