MLCU observed WED & inaugurated Sohra Experimental cum Botanical Garden

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 5, 2019

SHILLONG: Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Shillong observed World Environment Day on the theme #BeatAirPollution through a programme conducted with the Department of Environment & Traditional Ecosystems at Sohra on Wednesday.

On this day, MLCU also inaugurated its ‘Sohra Experimental cum Botanical Garden’, at Puhkahiar, Khliehshnong, Sohra, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. The botanical garden was inaugurated by the Chief Guest of the programme, Dr N. Odyuo, Scientist In-Charge Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Regional Office, Shillong along with Dr Vincent T. Darlong, Vice Chancellor, MLCU in the presence of Mr Gavin M. Mylliem, MLA, Sohra Constituency, Mr Titosstar Well Chyne, MDC, Sohra Constituency, office members of the Hima Sohra and the village Dorbar of Khliehshnong, Sohra along with the faculty of MLCU.

Dr. Odyuo, the Chief Guest, in his speech said, “This is a great day and it’s great because of the commitment of the university towards the afforestation of these lands. The Botanical Survey of India is committed in this endeavour and promise to support this initiative and supply any plantation requirements like saplings, manure, etc. for making this 50 acres of land to turn it into a forested land.”

The inauguration was followed by a tree plantation in which over 1000 saplings of indigenous, edemic and RET species donated by the BSI were planted by the students of the university and community members.

With this newly inaugurated botanical garden, MLCU attempts to restore the Sohra grassland plateau through Intensive Monitoring Plantation Programs involving mass plantation of 10000 indigenous, endemic and RET species by the end of the year 2019. This protected area will also be subjected to various research activities to rejuvenate the natural springs and increase the forest cover especially with economically important edible plants thereby conserving the biodiversity of the Sohra plateau.

Speaking on the occasion, G.M. Mylliem, MLA, Sohra said, “It is our duty to carry out the conservation and preservation of our forest land. One thing we should remember is that these beautiful surroundings don’t belong to us but we have inherited them from our forefathers and we should treat them as a loan taken from our future generations.”