Imphal: The Department of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur, today observed World Environment Day 2026 at the City Convention Centre, Konung Mamang, Imphal, under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the function, Govindas Konthoujam, Hon’ble Home Minister, Government of Manipur, elaborated on the theme of this year’s World Environment Day, hosted by Azerbaijan, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” He stated that nature is humanity’s greatest teacher and has provided everything necessary for the sustenance of life on Earth. Observing that nature is currently under immense stress due to environmental degradation and climate change, he stressed the need for immediate and collective intervention to protect and restore the environment.
He remarked that while symposiums, seminars and awareness programmes play an important role in sensitizing people, meaningful change can only be achieved when citizens take personal responsibility towards environmental conservation. He cautioned that failure to act responsibly could jeopardise the planet’s ability to sustain life in the future. In this regard, he informed that discussions are underway on the inclusion of environmental awareness as a subject at the primary education level and added that he has requested the concerned authorities to submit a proposal to the Government for consideration.
Hon’ble Home Minister further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under his Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), is taking a major role in ensuring the protection of ecological balance and promoting sustainable lifestyles. He urged the public to actively participate in the various initiatives undertaken by the Department of Environment and Climate Change to safeguard the planet and emphasized that every individual should develop climate consciousness and contribute towards environmental conservation.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Secretary (Forest, Environment & Climate Change), Shri Arun Kumar Sinha, IAS, expressed concern over increasing environmental pressures arising from climate change, unsustainable resource use and ecosystem degradation, which have manifested in erratic rainfall, extreme weather events, floods, droughts and biodiversity loss.
He informed that the Government of Manipur is addressing these challenges through integrated planning and policy interventions under the Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change, with focus on water, health, agriculture and forest. He highlighted various initiatives being undertaken by the Department, including river rejuvenation projects, wetland conservation, climate-resilient spring shed management, solid waste management and afforestation programmes.
Emphasizing that environmental protection cannot be achieved by the Government alone, he called upon educational institutions, researchers, community organisations, the private sector and citizens to actively participate in conservation efforts and adopt sustainable practices for a cleaner, greener and climate-resilient Manipur.
Speaking on the occasion, Director, Environment & Climate Change, Dr. T. Brajakumar Singh, expressed concern over the rising global temperatures, rising sea level and the increasing impacts of climate change, including heat waves and extreme weather events. Stressing the urgency of environmental conservation and climate action, he called upon all sections of society to work collectively towards restoring ecosystems and safeguarding the future of coming generations.
As part of the observance, the Department felicitated recipients of the Appreciation Awards, namely Ksh. Surjit Singh, Dr. Kamei Beeju, and Laishram Herojit alias Sintha Khuman, in recognition of their contributions towards environmental conservation. The Green Entrepreneur Award 2026 was presented to Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh, while the Climate Communicator Award 2026 was conferred upon Dr. Ksh. Chitrabhanu Devi. The Lifetime Achievement Environment Award 2026 was awarded to Dr. Khangembam Shamungou in recognition of his exemplary contribution towards environmental protection, climate action and sustainable development.
Prizes were also distributed to the winners of the State-Level Symposium and State-Level Essay Competition organised in connection with the observance of World Environment Day 2026. In a significant step towards strengthening waste management infrastructure in the State, a Plastic Bottle Bank, Baling Machine and Material Recovery Facility were handed over during the programme. Environment Awareness Stickers aimed at promoting the protection of mountains, wetlands and rivers were also released.
The programme was attended by MLA Karam Shyam; MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh; Joint Director, Environment & Climate Change, Ph. Vivekananda Sharma; officials and staff of the Department of Environment & Climate Change; students; and other dignitaries, among others.
