Mail News Service
Imphal, May 21 : In the words of leading environmental activist and Former US Vice President Al Gore, “Environment conservation is really not much of a political issue but it is actually a moral issue!”
The State of Manipur needs no introduction as regards its large forest cover, which according to the State of Forest Report 2003 conducted by Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, is 17,219 sq kms, nearly 77.12 % of the total geographical area of the State. However, in the last decade or so, as in other parts of the country, this beautiful state has also undergone a drastic decline in the same. The charm of this State, which can undoubtedly be accredited to the vast greenery coupled up with a moderate climate, making it a tourist heaven for the people, sadly shall too be lost.
Assam Rifles have pledged their contribution towards promoting greenery, atleast in and around their deployment areas and have embarked, furthering its undeterred efforts of preserving the bounty of the nature, on a fortnight long ‘Go Green Drive’ in entire Manipur from 24 May to 09 June 2013. Maj Gen UK Gurung, IG AR(South) has chalked out a detailed roadmap to ensure significant contribution towards this noble cause and has exhorted all Assam Rifle Sectors and Battalions to put their best foot forward. Cooperation and assistance from the Forest Department has also been solicited besides motivating the villagers, particularly the youth, for their active participation in making the entire process a great success. Besides tree plantation, there have been a number of events planned during the drive which include lectures on the benefits of afforestation for students, drawing & painting competitions based on Go Green theme and excursion trips for school children to nearby parks and gardens.
In working towards the mutual goal of sustainability through environment conservation, it’s essential that we all should make a commitment to ourselves towards conservation of fragile and diverse ecologies and start working towards environment conservation as if it’s now or never. The endeavour undertaken by Assam Rifles is aimed at starting a legacy of sustainable environmental development for ourselves and for our future generations and in turn hoping that the Green Canopy of trees that still exists is not degraded further.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assam-rifles-embarks-on-a-go-green-fortnight/
