Imphal: Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Awangbow Newmai Thursday led a roadside tree plantation drive along the stretch from Tamei to Langmei in Tamei Headquarters at Tamenglong district as part of the ongoing ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav’ celebrations to mark the 75th year of India’s Independence.
Addressing the function, he said that the tree plantation program should be taken up seriously in hill districts too as the global warming is affecting each and every citizen of the State and country as well.
He stated that although various infrastructural development projects are necessary for growth of the nation, the ecological balance of the region must be maintained to protect the environment and the natural resources. He said the aim and objective of the program is to spread awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.
Speaking on the global pandemic due to COVID-19, he said that during the pandemic the people of the State faced many challenges, including oxygen shortage for a brief period. He said during the pandemic everybody realized the importance of oxygen, so each and every citizen must plant trees, nurture and protect it. He also urged the eligible people to get vaccinated at the earliest to fight the pandemic.
‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of Independence of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.
It may be mentioned ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi by flagging off ‘Dandi March’ from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, Gujarat on March 12, 2021. The celebrations started 75 weeks before our 75th anniversary of Independence and will end on August 15, 2023.
The tree plantation drive today was organised by Manipur State Rural Roads Development Agency (MSRRDA), Rural Engineering Department. It may be mentioned that the road stretch from Tamei to Langmei has been constructed under the package No. MN0729 of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The department officials sensitized the masses regarding the various schemes taken up by the department.
