Based on the United Nations’ theme, “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care”, for World Environment Day 2015, World Environment Day was observed in Shillong with the programme Green Ambassador’s Conclave at U Soso Tham Auditorium which was attended by the Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma as the Chief Guest.
The Chief Minister in his address to the gathering which consisted of school and college students, green activists and line department officials said that the issue of climate change and global warming is the fall out of human activities. He added that the theme of UN this year for World Environment Day is in sync with the action plan of the state government as the flagship programme of the state, Integrated Basin Development & Livelihood Programme (IBDLP) has been designed to ensure sustainable ecology through sustainable livelihood. He cautioned that as no one is insulated from the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation it is important that all must be connected to the agenda of sustainable livelihood and ecology by regulating our own behaviour and lifestyle.
Creating sustainable livelihood through technological knowhow and scientific approach, greening of barren and unproductive lands are some initiatives of the government for appropriate impact on the environment as well as to reverse the notion of many who believe livelihood in the rural areas is not remunerative and attractive he added. The Chief Minister also informed that the government proposes to launch a dedicated website for clean and green Meghalaya wherein any potential partner can register as green ambassadors and the most innovative and creative partner would be shortlisted and awarded by the government. Dr Sangma also announced that the government has set a target for 10 million plantations next year through the length and breadth of the state and urged schools and colleges to have nurseries in their premises.
Also present at the function was Minister, Urban Affairs, Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh who said that we have now come to the stage where the present generation has to correct the errors of the past. The Minister urged not only the green ambassadors but everyone present to take home the message that all are accountable for the damage done to the environment and to be a part of the solution not the problem.
The Chief Minister also distributed awards to individuals from different districts who have championed environment protection and conservation through various green initiatives. Release of Green Pages- newsletter of Meghalaya Institute of Mineral Resources, release of album of environmental songs, presentation of Green Initiatives in Meghalaya , release and screening of animated documentary film by Meghalaya State Pollution Board and distribution of awards to winners of different competitions marked the inaugural session.
Later during the day, Environmental Concern and Green Initiatives from Districts, India Green Mission, Mission Green Meghalaya and Meghalaya Springs Initiative formed discussion for the technical session. Also present at the function were Additional Chief Secretary, K S Kropha, M S Rao, Principal Secretary, Forest& Environment and Pankaj Jain, Principal Secretary, Planning &Deputy CEO, MBDA.