In commemoration of World Environment Day, CM Neiphiu Rio planted a sapling at the New DC Complex in Chümoukedima in the presence of DGP Nagaland and other officials on June 5. (DIPR Photo)
Dimapur, June 5 (MExN): The Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Nagaland organized a virtual programme to celebrate World Environment Day (WED) on June 5. The virtual celebration witnessed participation of the Assam Rifles and the Nagaland Police who are partnering with the department in carrying out plantation drives across the State. The programme was chaired by Dharmendra Prakash, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Head of Forest Force (PCCF &HoFF) while Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister, Nagaland graced the occasion as special guest.
The PCCF &HoFF welcomed all the participants and highlighted the significance of the World Environment Day.
Chief minister Neiphiu Rio highlighted the need for action and commitment towards betterment of our planet and the environment. He stated that this year’s WED theme, ‘Restoration of ecosystems’, is key to address the various global crises and stressed on the need to leave minimum carbon footprint on the planet. He stated that development is achieving balance between meeting requirements and preserving the environment. The CM reminded that the earth does not belong to the present generation alone and that it is our duty to ensure that a better planet is handed to future generations.
Rio lauded the initiatives and commitment of the people of the State towards conservation which has resulted in vegetation cover higher than the national average and establishment of numerous community conservation areas in the State. He further congratulated Dr Nuklu Phom and Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary for being awarded the green Oscar 2021 by the Whitley Fund for nature, UK and India Biodiversity Award 2021 respectively.
He stated that the various programmes of the department like National Afforestation Programme, Brahmaputra Rejuvenation Plan along with the externally Aided projects, JICA assisted NFMP, KfW sponsored Biodiversity project and IFAD supported FOCUS project will make major contributions in preserving and restoring nature in the State.
Highlighting that environmental disasters like ecosystem loss provide conditions for diseases like coronavirus to grow and spread, the CM assured that the State Government is doing its utmost to fight the pandemic. He congratulated the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, the Assam Rifles and Nagaland Police Department for successfully commemorating the event through plantation drives.
Vedpal Singh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest gave a brief presentation highlighting the progress of the joint plantation in various districts across the State and stated that the target was to plant around 3 lakh seedlings across the State.
Short speeches were also given by Ramakrishna, Principal Secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Maj Gen Kaushik, IG AR (N) and T John Longkumer IPS, DGP, Nagaland. IGAR (N) highlighted various green initiatives taken by Assam Rifles. The DGP mentioned that this is the first collaborative effort between police and forest department and that such joint efforts should be continued henceforth. The programme was attended by the DCs, SPs, DFOs and other field functionaries from all districts and M Senthil Kumar, CCF proposed the vote of thanks. After the virtual programme, plantation drive was carried out in the New DC office Complex, Dimapur led by the CM and seedlings distribution programme at Kohima was flagged off by the PCCF &HoFF.
