Shillong ( Meghalaya), Sept 24 : World Rivers Day 2023 was observed in the city with the ‘Life to Rivers Rally’, which attracted around 200 plus participants, including 100+ NCC Cadets with officials, students, representatives from several govt. departments, nearby residents and members of Rotary Clubs, who together took a march in the city with placards to create mass awareness on saving streams and rivers. The rally started from Laitumkhrah police point at 11 am and concluded at NCC Headquarters, here .
The rally was flagged-off by Chief Guest, S C Sadhu, Secretary, Water Resources Department, Meghalaya and Guest-of-honor, Col. Chetan Dhiman, NCC, Shillong, in presence of Rtn Vivek Kumar, District Chair- Protecting the Environment, RI District 3240, Abhijit Sharma, Mission Director- Yes Earth Youth Corps, Vishal Amarnani, President, Rotary Club of Shillong Heritage, Dr. Vincent T Darlong, Chair- Environment, Rotary Club of Orchid City Shillong, members from Rotary Clubs and representatives from Shillong Municipal Board.
Speaking to participants, the chief guest, S C Sandhu, said, “we need to work together to save our precious rivers and appealed to everyone not to dump garbage in streams”. Guest-of- honor, Col. Chetan Dhiman in his address emphasized on the role of youths in protecting and restoring our streams and rivers. Rtn Vivek Kumar informed the participants on the “Life to Rivers” initiative of Rotary District 3240, which aims to engage Rotary Clubs and partners to raise awareness and take effective action to conserve and restore our streams and rivers in northeastern states. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on conservation efforts, the movement aims to ensure that rivers continue to thrive and provide for future generations.
He mentioned that ‘keeping our streams and rivers clean and healthy is a collective responsibility and we all must come together and work at grassroot level to secure life-supporting streams and rivers’. Abhijit Sharma stressed on organizing regular activities to save rivers and informed about different initiatives of Yes Earth Corps to save environment. Dr. Vincent T Darlong mentioned that ‘individual’s actions can make huge difference and appealed everyone to express gratitude to environment, not only in words, but also through actions.
‘Life to Rivers Rally’ was organized by Rotary Club Orchid City Shillong and Rotary Club Shillong Heritage in-association with Yes Earth Corps (Shillong), 2 MEGH BN NCC, Shillong. The initiative is supported by Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG South Asia) and Adopt-a-River: UN Environment Programme & Rotary International.
