Manipur governor Najma Heptulla attended the closing function of the first phase of ‘The Governor’s Initiative for Green Manipur’ in Imphal on June 28.
Attending the function, Heptulla expressed her happiness to be associated with the tree plantation drive and reminded the gathering that last year on Guru Puja, she had planted more than hundred trees at Raj Bhavan. She also stated that the temperature in gradually rising day by day along with unusual rain indicating climate change.
Heptulla further said that for a tree sapling planted today, it will take at least 50 years to become a full grown tree and appealed to the people to plants trees in any events related to members of the family such as child birth, weddings, occasions of family events and also to respect and give something back to the mother earth.
“The state is ranked eighth in biodiversity ranking index in the world. We should keep and preserve the diversity for the next generation,” she said. The governor also urged the public to create a women group for the protection of trees and also to nurture them just as children are cared for and nurtured.
The governor also appreciated forest minister Th. Shyamkumar for taking the initiative in safe guarding the forest areas and keeping the land green.
Forest minister Th. Shyamkumar Singh said that in the name of urbanisation and developmental projects, trees are being cut down trees which were planted by our forefathers. To fight climate change and for safeguarding the environment, we need to care and maintain the trees which are still growing in the land and also plant more tress in our localities.
As part of the programme, the dignitaries planted tree saplings at Konungmamang.
The function was jointly organised by Green Planters’ Society, ESC, Citizens Club, Wal United and GPS. The governor appreciated the collective manner in which the locals joined hands with the Assam Rifles for tree plantation across the state.
