Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh Sunday flagged off a road show organised by E-Rickshaw Workers Union Manipur, from Kangla, Western Gate. The roadshow aims to make Imphal City free from hazardous emissions, particulate matter and all forms of pollutants and mitigate climate change and global warming.
Speaking on the occasion, N. Biren Singh expressed the importance of the programme as mitigating climate change and global warming is the need of the hour. He stressed the need for voluntary involvement of everyone in conserving the environment by planting trees and using e-vehicles among others.
He continued that many people in the State had started using e-vehicles to control air and noise pollution. As such, in support of the use of pollution-free vehicles, the Government is trying to set up charging points for the same at different places across the State, he added.
Stating that Mother Nature doesn’t need us, rather we need nature for our survival, the Chief Minister continued that the State Government had been taking mass campaigns against deforestation and pollution of various rivers. The Government had carried out the eviction of only those structures which are illegally built at Reserve Forest areas and along the riverside. The Government has no enmity with anyone, he added.
He maintained that the Government would provide every possible support to e-rickshaw workers and would also request banks to provide loans to those who want to start e-rickshaw services. He also appealed to the public to responsibly take their part in conserving the environment.
Further, he expressed his solidarity to the uncertainties faced by the people of Assam and Meghalaya due to widespread floods and landslides.
Municipal Administration, Housing & Urban Development Minister Y. Khemchand stated that though the economic condition of the State has improved, the youths are still facing unemployment problems. Starting of e-rickshaws service would not only help in controlling pollution but also provides employment for a living. He assured that the State Government would provide every possible support to the e-rickshaw workers.
Advisor, E-Rickshaw Worker’s Union, Manipur A. Premkumar Singh, and members of the union also attended the programme among others
