A mass tree plantation was organised by CCSK under the guidance of the Forest Department, Government of Manipur, at Chadong Village, Kamjong District.
TFM Report
Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) Manipur on Thursday launched a mass tree plantation campaign “Sanghanlasi Iramdam”.
A mass tree plantation was organised by CCSK under the guidance of the Forest Department, Government of Manipur, at Chadong Village, Kamjong District. Union of Private Rehabilitation Centre Kangleipak (UORECK) and villagers of Chadong also participated in the mass tree plantation drive.
Speaking to media persons on the occasion, DFO/Central Division RK Amarjit warned that even if such mass tree plantation drives are launched, it will not bear fruit if they are not tended to after planting them. Appreciating the role taken up by CSOs in tree plantation drives, he suggested the people living area to look after the plants and also to take saplings which can be managed.
Amarjit further informed that many reserved forest areas have been announced in Manipur from time to time under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. But these areas have been deforested and forest areas are depleting, he lamented. To empower the forest guards around 100 arms have been procured and training have begun, he informed.
He further said that the forest department alone cannot save the environment of the state. The role of the people is immense, he added. Stating that the budget for the environment is small, he said that with the help of press and social media, an awareness campaign is being conducted.
CCSK president Jitendra Ningomba informed that under the first phase of Sanghanlashi Iramdam, 50,000 saplings will be planted. After Chadong Village, saplings will be planted in other districts as well, he added.
Stating that the gap between the hills and valleys’ people is narrowing, Jitendra said that the state government would be apprised to develop Chadong which is not very far from Imphal.
Former chairman of New Chadong Village, Asang Kasar said that developing Chadong as a tourist destination would benefit not only the village but the whole of the state. He also said that the Mapithel Dam is not still able to give that much benefit to the state. He drew the attention of the state government to look into the development of the new villages that came into being from 2016-2017.
Sawombung range officer Konsam Raghu, Chituwa president M Purnimasi Leima, and Napetpali deputy ranger Dr Sharat, also participated in the tree plantation drive.