NIRJULI, 6 Jun: The 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC, in collaboration with the Zoological Survey of India’s Arunachal Pradesh regional centre, celebrated the World Environment Day (WED) at the NERIST here on Friday as part of the NCC’s combined annual training camp (CATC) on Friday.
A total of 340 NCC cadets participated in the programme, which included expert lectures on biodiversity and wildlife conservation, an environmental quiz, speech competition, Mission LiFE pledge, environmental protection pledge, awareness rally, the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’plantation drive, and certificate and prize distribution.
The event was conducted by a ZSI team led by Dr Shantabala Devi Gurumayum and Dr Vikram Delu, who delivered informative sessions on biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
The programme was conducted under the leadership of 1 AP Bn NCC Commanding Officer Colonel Samudra Vijay Sharma, 1 AP Bn NCC ADM Officer Lieutenant Colonel Surjit Rai and KV-2 ANO Priya, along with other associated NCC officers.
The celebration strengthened environmental awareness among the cadets, and inspired them to become responsible custodians of nature through sustainable practices and community participation.
The WED was celebrated also in Gumto and Tarasso in Papum Pare district through a series of activities to promote environmental awareness, fitness, tree plantation, and sustainable living.
In Gumto, a 5-km marathon was organised by the circle office to promote environmental consciousness, civic responsibility, and physical fitness among the public.
Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek, who flagged off the race, highlighted the growing concerns of climate change and urged citizens to adopt environmentally responsible practices and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings. He stressed the importance of tree plantation, physical fitness, and active community participation in environmental conservation efforts.
Tarh Gungte Hura, fitness enthusiast, model, and cinema personality, also participated in the race to encourage the runners.
Tok Elan secured the first position, followed by Takam Dominik and Techi James in the second and the third place, respectively.
Gumto ZPM Tana Rekha, along with IOC officers, announced special prizes for the female participants as a token of encouragement.
Later, the MLA and Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering joined the WED celebration organised by Team Robniang Helping Hands Foundation (TRHHF) in collaboration with the Forest Department, Papum Pare, at the Nabam Runghi cricket ground in Barmani in Tarasso.
As part of the celebration, a tree plantation drive was conducted at the cricket ground.
Addressing the gathering, Vivek encouraged all to plant trees and take responsibility for nurturing and protecting them for a greener future.
Referring to the launch of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan by Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu in Emchi earlier on Thursday, the MLA urged the people to work towards self-reliance by adopting organic farming practices.
Deputy Commissioner Tsering lauded the efforts of the TRHHF and stressed the importance of planting more trees and increasing forest cover to combat environmental degradation and climate change.
In Mariyang in Upper Siang district, the Mariyang Area Students’ Union (MASU) organised cleanliness and tree plantation drives at the Government Higher Secondary School to mark the WED.
Cherry blossom saplings were planted within the school premises to encourage environmental conservation and enhance the ecological beauty of the campus.
Students and teachers of the school and members of the union participated in the programmes.
The Arunachal Pradesh Biodiversity Board (APBB), in collaboration with the State Forest Research Institute, Arunachal Pradesh State Medicinal Plants Board, and the Silviculture Division, Itanagar, along with students of Government Dera Natung College, celebrated the WED at Van Vigyan Kendra (VVK), Chessa on 5 June.
APBB Chairman Hawa Bagang emphasised the importance of environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, and active public participation in restoring ecosystems. He highlighted the significance of tree plantation and sustainable environmental practices in safeguarding the natural heritage of Arunachal for future generations.
As part of the celebration, a tree plantation programme was organised within the VVK premises.
To promote environmental awareness and encourage community participation in greening efforts, local ornamental and fruit-bearing saplings were distributed to the public by the chairman and the APBB member secretary.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of officials of the collaborating organisations, students, and local residents. The programme concluded with a collective pledge to protect biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and work towards environmental sustainability.
The Seva Bharati Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the WED in Hollongi by conducting a mass plantation drive. Around 200 saplings were planted.
Seva Bharati Arunachal Pradesh secretary Tai Tugung administered a pledge to the participants, reaffirming their commitment to environmental conservation and judicious use of resources.
On the occasion of the WED, the Spear Corps of the Indian Army organised a series of plantation and cleanliness drives in Tuting in Upper Siang district.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of the civil administration, schoolchildren, teachers, local residents, and Buddhist monks from nearby monasteries.
The activities included tree plantation, cleanliness campaigns, and awareness programmes aimed at promoting environmental responsibility and sustainable practices among the local community.
The participants also exchanged ideas on conservation, waste management, and the significance of maintaining a clean and green environment for future generations.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army’s Spearhead Gunners organised a poster-making competition themed ‘Our Planet, Our Strength’ at the Government Primary School in Pekong in Tuting.
Fifteen students participated in the event and showcased their creativity through vibrant posters highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, sustainable living, and protection of the Earth.
The schoolchildren also engaged in discussions on environmental challenges, ways to protect nature, and simple practices that can contribute towards a cleaner and greener future. They shared ideas and displayed a commendable understanding of environmental responsibility.
The competition provided a platform for the children to express their thoughts creatively while reinforcing the message that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.
The Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change celebrated the WED with a brainstorming session at the PCCF office conference hall in Itanagar on Saturday.
The programme was organised under this year’s global theme, ‘Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future’, in the presence of departmental officials, environmental stakeholders, and students.
Addressing the gathering, PCCF P Subramanyam emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship from an intergenerational perspective.
He stated that environmental conservation is not only for the present generation but also for future generations, and that reducing the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources would contribute significantly towards a sustainable future.
Subramanyam also administered the Environment Day pledge, reaffirming the participants’ commitment to adopting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Chief Conservator of Forests (Environment) VK Jawal in his address highlighted the significance of the World Environment Day as a global platform for promoting environmental awareness and collective action.
The brainstorming interactive session was inaugurated by DCF (Conservation) Tejaswini Pusuluri, who stressed the urgent need for collective climate action involving students, teachers, and the wider community.
As part of the programme, three students delivered inspiring speeches, reflecting the concerns and aspirations of the younger generation regarding environmental protection.
Class 10 student from Nichiphu Children’s Foundation School, Hill Top, Takam Juni described nature as humanity’s greatest teacher, and expressed concern over increasing environmental degradation caused by deforestation and pollution.
Class 9 student from Gellam Memorial High School, Chandranagar, Dino Beyong highlighted the importance of maintaining a clean environment, and emphasised the need to protect trees and natural resources for a healthier future.
Class 10 student from St Francis D’Assisi School, Karsingsa, Taj Nalo observed that climate change is no longer a distant issue but a reality being witnessed across the world.
Certificates and trophies to the winners of the drawing competition, organised as part of the World Environment Day celebration, were distributedduring the programme.
The programme also featured the screening of a thematic video on World Environment Day, followed by the launch of the EIACP special newsletter. (With inputs from DIPROs)
