Mass tree plantation programme was conducted inside the premise of Manipur Trade & Expo centre located at Lamboikhongnangkhong in the outskirts of Imphal town on Monday.
The programme was held as part of the Central Government programme of Mission Green India, with an aim to create awareness among the people for conservation and preservation of forests.
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Manipur Textiles, Commerce & Industries Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh lead the mass tree plantation drive.
More than 500 tree saplings were planted today by the officials, staff of the department and entrepreneurs.
The mass tree plantation will help in beautification and landscaping the premise of the centre.
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Speaking to reporters on the sideline of the initiative, Minister Biswajit emphasized that the programme is a continuation of Van Mahotsav, the annual tree planting festival.
The programme is envisaged to make a greener Manipur and greener India and to help mitigate the impact of climate change which is being painfully experienced by the people of the State.
The State is facing unnatural frequent floods and drought like situation as the result of global warming which is a cause of concern for the citizens.
He said trees contribute to regulating river flows both during dry seasons and high rainfall, thereby minimizing risks related to water scarcity and floods.
He opined that different varieties of fruit bearing, water bearing and shade providing trees will be planted inside the campus.
He urged all the officials and staff of the department to take equal responsibility in nurturing the plants till they attain maturity.
The Minister reiterated that the forest conservation is not the sole responsibility of the officials of Forest and Environment.
The officials of Textiles, Commerce & Industries also need to play an active role in conservation efforts, he said.
He cited that active involvement of various departments, entrepreneurs, NGOS, CSOS is needed for conserving forest.
He also highlighted the importance of planting Agar and Red wood tree in the State, as the tree variety is suitable with our climatic conditions.
The Agar and Red wood tree is a resourceful tree which can be a profitable source of income.
The Minister also instructed general manager of district headquarters to carry out similar activities in the future to instil in the collective consciousness to the younger generation towards conservation and preservation of Forest and Environment.
The mass tree plantation was organized by Department of Textiles, Commerce & Industries and was participated by principal secretary P Vaiphei, Director C Arthur, officials of MSME and members of All Manipur Entrepreneurs Association.