Ampati, June 5 : South West Garo Hills district today observed World Environment Day with widespread enthusiasm, focusing on the global theme of “Ending Plastic Pollution.” Numerous awareness campaigns and extensive afforestation drives were conducted across the district, emphasizing the urgent need to combat plastic waste and foster a greener environment.
The district-level celebration, held at the Multi-Facility Centre in Mellim under Rerapara C&RD Block, was a collaborative effort between the Social Forestry Division, Tura, and the Mellim Beekeepers Association. The event featured a spirited roadside tree plantation drive, which saw enthusiastic participation from teachers and students of Soudarion Secondary School, Mellim Higher Secondary School, and Shinefield School. To engage young minds, drawing, painting, and essay competitions were also organized for students, encouraging them to creatively express their concerns about plastic pollution.
Prominent village leaders, including the Nokmas of Matalagre, Agasigre, Oragre, and Indikgre, alongside church leaders from Krima 19, graced the occasion.
M.J.A. Sangma, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry & Environment, Garo Hills Region, delivered a stark warning as the Chief Guest, recounting a disturbing incident where plastic was discovered inside a cow’s stomach during a post-mortem. He passionately urged citizens to adopt eco-friendly alternatives and stressed the critical importance of waste segregation, particularly in rural areas where livestock are often exposed to unmanaged plastic waste.
A Ch. Momin, MCS, BDO of Rerapara C&RD Block and Guest of Honour, highlighted the concerning statistic that among the 143 villages in his block, only Chisigre has so far initiated plastic waste management. He underscored the urgency of community-based waste segregation and the inherent dangers of plastics, citing their carcinogenic nature and the need for sustainable resource utilization.
In his keynote address, A Ch. Sangma, MFS, DFO, Social Forestry Division, Tura, provided a comprehensive overview of the global plastic pollution crisis. He cited alarming statistics, noting that over 516 million tonnes of plastic have already been used, with projections reaching 1.2 billion tonnes. He shared disturbing findings of plastic traces in tiger excreta in Corbett National Park and even in the deepest oceanic trenches, such as the Mariana Trench. He concluded with a powerful call for robust community regulations and behavioral change, encouraging citizens to adopt practices like carrying their own water bottles and reusable bags.
Beyond the main event, Betasing C&RD Block marked the occasion with an extensive afforestation drive. In the presence of R.Z.D. Shira, Project Director, SRES-DID, and C.R.N. Sangma, BDO of Betasing C&RD Block, indigenous species were planted using Artificial and Assisted Natural Regeneration Models on 63 hectares of land generously donated by the A·king Nokma of Malchapara Village.
Schools throughout the district also actively participated, organizing plantation and awareness drives. At Okkapara Songgitcham Government LP School, under Rerapara C&RD Block, Emphul Ch. Marak, SDSEO (i/c), and Tapos Ch. Marak, SEO of the Joint Director, Tura, engaged students and villagers with the education department’s theme, “Nurture Today, Secure Tomorrow.” Emphul Ch. Marak inspired attendees by encouraging them to plant a tree in their mother’s name, symbolizing the profound connection between motherhood and environmental care. Teachers and local leaders, including Nokmas and school committee members, spoke passionately about the devastating consequences of deforestation.
In Ampati town, officers and staff of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and Amalgamated Establishment demonstrated their commitment to a cleaner, greener future by conducting a thorough cleanliness drive and tree plantation in and around the DC Office compound.
