By M.Devanand Sharma
Imphal(Manipur) June 6 : As World Environment Day 2020 is being observed across the State, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led others in tree plantation at Samadhi of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Bir Tikendrajit Park and Rani Gaidinliu Park on Friday.
Chief Minister said that the essence of celebrating World Environment Day is to save human lives by protecting and preserving the environment. He maintained that natural disasters, global warming, climate change etc. are the consequences of the destruction of nature. Humans need nature for survival and nature doesn’t need us, he added.
Stating the importance of preserving forest and wildlife, the Chief Minister stated that we must take necessary measures to save the earth. The Chief Minister said that the government has initiated Green Manipur Mission so as to conserve and preserve the forest area of the State. Mass plantation drives are being taken up in various parts of the State, he added. He appealed to the people of the State to accomplish the mission.
The Chief Minister cautioned the people that the disease could spread anywhere and infect anyone if we do not take precautionary measures and obey the advisories, guidelines and protocols issued by WHO, Health Ministry and Medical Experts.
Stating that more than 35,000 natives have returned to the State from different parts of the country, Chief Minister said the state government has been taken up all precautionary and preventive measures to control the spread of COVID-19.He appreciated the efforts of frontline workers, CSOs, local volunteers in the fight against COVID-19. With the co-operation and support of the people, there has been no single case of community transmission in the State, he added.
The Chief Minister appealed the returnees to obey the SOPs and guidelines issued by the government. He affirmed that a collective responsibility and understanding can defeat the COVID-19.