Meghalaya’s efforts in Land Restoration and Drought Resilience highlighted on World Environment Day

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 6, 2024

The Forest and Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya, celebrated World Environment Day on June 5 at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Umsawli. Organized by the Social Forestry and Environment Wing, Meghalaya, Shillong, the event focused on the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”

In his address, Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, DP Wahlang, expressed gratitude to the department for organizing the awareness event. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives for improving the state’s environmental health, stating, “This is a global event aimed at raising awareness for the preservation and betterment of the environment.”

Wahlang highlighted the crucial role the environment plays in human civilization, providing essential resources and shaping our world. He noted the negative impacts of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, which have led to deforestation, pollution, climate change, and depletion of natural resources. He stressed the importance of the three ‘A’s: Awareness, Action, and Aspirations.

The department also honored the staff of the Social Forestry Division of East Khasi Hills for their dedication, distributing prizes and mementos to the winners of various competitions, including drawing, painting, slogan, and essay writing.

In Shillong, the Municipal Board, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Professional Studies, William Carey University, and ICFAI University, organized an awareness program featuring a street play on zero littering. The event took place at Laitumkhrah Don Bosco Square and Laban Red Cross.

The BSF Meghalaya also marked the day with a theme of “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.” BSF troops pledged to adopt environmentally friendly habits, conducting awareness rallies and plantation drives at various locations, and distributing free saplings to the public. Educational initiatives were also carried out in bordering villages, with students participating in essay writing competitions and cleanliness drives.

The Environmental Science Department of St. Edmund’s College, Shillong celebrated World Environment Day focusing on the theme for 2024 is “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.” Activities included planting medicinal plants like longkhyrniang, a cleaning drive, and a pledge ceremony, highlighting global efforts for environmental protection.

In West Jaintia Hills, the District Administration organized a function at the District Library Auditorium, Mynthong, Jowai, attended by Deputy Commissioner BS Sohliya, IAS, and other officials. The event emphasized a plastic-free environment and included topics such as decentralized waste management and recycling. Highlights included an inter-school photography exhibition, titled “The Ugly Picture Contest,” focusing on plastic waste. The event concluded with prize distributions for competitions held in the lead-up to World Environment Day.

At Loom Mookhai Waka Biar Ka Blai, the Land Committee Seinraij Jowai planted 300 trees saplings. Tourism Officer SD Shylla participated as the chief guest, along with other committee members. In Mooshrot Village, students and teachers of Chankylliang Evergreen LP School planted 16 tree saplings around their school compound.

The Social Forestry Range Shangpung celebrated the day at Sawlyngdoh Higher Secondary School, Mookaaiw, while the Superintendent of Police, WJHD, under the “Ek Ped Maa Ka Naam” campaign, saw officers and staff planting tree saplings around the Jowai Police Station to combat global warming.