Shillong, June 6: The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, District Project Management Unit (DPMU), East Khasi Hills District and Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) today organised a programme in observation of Environment Day 2022 at Don Bosco Hall, Laitumkhrah, Shillong. Smti Isawanda Laloo, Deputy Commisiioner, East Khasi Hills District graced the programme as Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Smti I Laloo lauded the efforts of all stakeholders who had taken part in a series of environmental activities throughout the week to commemorate the Meghalaya Environment Week launched by the government for the year 2022.
Appreciating the active participation of school students in the various competitions organised by the office, she emphasised that the knowledge and awareness expressed by the school students through various mediums is vital as they are the future.
Stating that Environment Day is not to be celebrated only one day in a year rather we should make a commitment in celebrating Environment Day every day, hence the district administration have come up with policies and ideas to involve the communities, schools, colleges, religious leaders in creating awareness and carry out activities which will benefit the environment.
She also expressed hope that the participants in the programme will sensitize and pass on the message to others about the active participation of each of us in keeping the environment clean and safe. She exhorted that only the government initiatives are not enough to protect the environment but a collective effort by each individual is the need of the hour.
Smti Laloo also stated that development comes at the cost of the environment and the theme for this year’s Environment Day Only One Earth “Living Sustainably in Harmony with nature”, aims to ensure that development goes hand in hand with a sustainable and healthy environment.
She also informed that the Meghalaya Pollution Control Board will be implementing the Say No to single use plastic and strongly urged the students to inculcate the habit of saying no to single use plastic, which is detrimental to the environment. She also stressed on the need for scientific waste disposal management, which would reduce the impact on the environment.
During the day the Chief Guest also handed awards and certificates to the winners of the Drawing Competition, Essay Writing Competition and Debate Competition organised by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner.
The Deputy Commissioner also awarded the Top 3 Best Performing Villages from Community Led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP) and Meghalaya Livelihood and Access to Market Project (MLAMP).
Under CLLMP, Weiloi Village Natural Resource Management Committee for Best performance in social inclusion and community participation, Thainthynroh Village Natural Resource Management Committee for Best performance in increase in forest cover and foliage. Mawkynrew Village Natural Resource Management Committee for Best performance in successful implementation of natural resource management activities.
Under MLAMP, Kyiem IVCS for Best performance in successful implementation of integrated village co-operative societies, Laityra CMC for Best performance in successful implementation of collective marketing centre, Mawkohmon for Best performance in successful implementation of INRM (Integrated Natural resource Management).
Others who were present during the programme include Shri D B Gunanka, Additional Project Director, CLLMP and Shri D Hynniewta, Project Director, DRDA, East Khasi Hills District among others.
