Shillong, June 5: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday led a Rhododendron Plantation Drive at Sangmein, 5th Mile, Upper Shillong, as part of the State’s observance of World Environment Day 2026, stressing that environmental conservation should be a daily responsibility and not limited to a single day of celebration.
The programme, organised by the Department of Forests and Environment under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” focused on the conservation and propagation of Rhododendron arboreum, locally known as Tiew Saw in Khasi and Latuthiñ in Jaintia. The plantation drive was held along the Rhododendron Trek in Upper Shillong to promote biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and environmental stewardship.
Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, senior government officials, officers of the Forests and Environment Department, representatives of local communities and students from various schools participated in the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that government programmes should remain focused on citizens rather than dignitaries and protocol.
“Programmes like these should not be about VIPs and ministers but should be for the public and the citizens,” Sangma said, adding that government initiatives must be people-centric and driven by public welfare and community participation.
In a departure from customary practice, the Chief Minister felicitated students who participated in the programme and encouraged senior officials to recognise young citizens for their contributions.
Highlighting the significance of World Environment Day, Sangma said environmental consciousness should extend beyond annual observances.
“For me, every day is Environment Day. All 365 days of the year should be Environment Day. This day is a reminder for us to recommit ourselves to protecting and preserving our environment, but our responsibility does not end here,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that meaningful environmental conservation begins with small actions taken every day, including recycling, reusing materials, conserving energy, reducing waste and planting trees.
“It is not only about planting a tree on one particular day. The small choices we make every day, when multiplied across communities, can bring about transformative change,” he said.
Sangma urged citizens, particularly the youth, to integrate sustainable practices into their daily lives and make environmental responsibility a way of life.
Referring to the Rhododendron Plantation Drive, the Chief Minister said the initiative would not only strengthen environmental conservation efforts but also enhance Meghalaya’s tourism potential.
“We have planted rhododendron saplings because we believe this is another meaningful contribution to our environment. At the same time, it will enhance the experience of tourists visiting these beautiful trails and create livelihood opportunities for our youth,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the need to protect Meghalaya’s natural heritage while leveraging it sustainably for economic growth and employment generation.
The event was also aligned with the national campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and promoted the principles of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), encouraging citizens to conserve water and energy, reduce waste, avoid single-use plastics and adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles.
The programme concluded with the symbolic planting of rhododendron saplings by the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, students and other participants, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to environmental conservation and climate action. The plantation drive formed part of Meghalaya’s broader efforts to strengthen biodiversity protection and ecological restoration across the state.
