A series of online and offline activities marked the ‘World Environment Day’ in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday.
The theme for ‘The World Environment Day’ this year was ‘ecosystem restoration’.
Governor Brig (Retd) BD Mishra and First Lady Neelam Mishra planted saplings of cherry blossom on the Raj Bhavan premises to mark the day.
The Governor expressed hope that the world will build a bond and reset its protective relationship with nature.
“Today, ecosystem degradation has emerged as one of the biggest environmental threats around the world. Rejuvenating our ecosystems will protect and improve the subsistence of the people who exist with them,” BD Mishra said.
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“It will also help to dispel diseases and reduce the risks of landslides, floods, soil erosion and other natural disasters. In fact, ecosystem restoration helps us achieve all human-friendly amenities and developmental goals,” he said.
The day also saw Arunachal environment and forest minister Mama Natung launching two e-portals, ‘Online Consent Management and Monitoring System’ and ‘Public Grievances Redressal Portal’ that are expected to facilitate ease of doing business in the state.
He also released an inventory report on seven wastes in Arunachal Pradesh and inaugurated Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station.
A short video was screened on innovative plastic waste reuse by the Walla Self Help Group, Anjaw, by making traditional Mishmi bags using plastic wastes.
This has helped in reducing the carbon footprint and also provided livelihood to the local populace.
The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board also conducted a webinar on ecosystem restoration.
The Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR)-Arunachal Pradesh also organized another webinar on ‘Stream rejuvenation and biodiversity conservation’ to mark the day.
Gomar Basar, who is the co-founder of Egam Basar (EB) project, highlighted the success story of water and biodiversity conservation, ecotourism and sustainable agriculture management by EB-Project Nature at Soi village in Basar.
Meanwhile, YMCR chairman S D Loda said the NGO could not conduct its annual tree plantation during the ongoing lockdown.
The NGO plans to plant fruit trees along the national highway once the lockdown is lifted.