Tura, March 25: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K. Sangma today said that MDA Government will soon ink an agreement with the World Bank for funding to the tune of over 100 cr aimed at protecting and preserving the catchment areas of the state. He said that the impact of global warming is already being felt across the length and breadth of the country and the world.
The Chief Minister announced his government’s plans to protect the water sources of the state while speaking as the Chief Guest at the “Natural Resources Management and Climate Change- Opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs in Garo Hills” event at Dikki Bandi Stadium in Tura.
“Climate change is a fact. It is happening. Its impact is being felt across the globe and in India because of wanton destruction of forests, burning of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum leading to rise in CO2 emissions,” said the chief minister as he mentioned about moves being made by each country and state to reduce the carbon footprint.
He expressed concern over the fast depleting water bodies in the state and the rise in temperature with each passing year.
“To preserve the catchment areas we will be signing a new agreement with the World Bank for funding to the tune of over 100 cr that will be used for protection and preservation of the catchment areas with active support from the Nokmas and the public. This agreement that will be signed within a month will be incorporated in the 2018-19 scheme for the state,” announced Conrad Sangma to the large gathering of participants in Tura who applauded the government move.
The Chief Minister also informed that each family in the state would be encouraged to plant a tree sapling and nurture it till it grows as part of the green campaign “My Life! My Tree.”
“Trees give us oxygen and life, controls temperatures and brings much needed rain. Let us all plant and take responsibility for at least one tree,” appealed the chief minister.
He added that the battle against global warming required to be taken beyond the protection of catchment areas and planting of trees.
“Awareness is one of the most important aspects and needs to start at the infant stage. That is why the time has come to put forth in the school curriculum of children the importance of responsibility for preserving our mother earth,” suggested Conrad Sangma.
The chief minister also announced to the gathering that his government would be laying utmost emphasis on non-conventional renewable energy to reduce the carbon footprint of the state.
“We seriously need to reduce our dependency on energy consuming gadgets and one of this government’s first resolutions is to do away with the age old use of incandescent bulbs that consume high energy and replace them with energy saving LED bulbs. The central government is already giving out LED bulbs at very low pricing and the state will need to ensure it is available in every village and town,” said Conrad Sangma.
Earlier in the day, village employment councils from the length and breadth of West Garo Hills took part in the climate change programme where speaker after speaker highlighted the importance of creating assets in harmony with nature.
