Manipur Industrial Minister Calls for Plantation of Agar and Redwood Trees as Part of 'Mission Green India'

Imphal, August 6, 2019:

Under the mass plantation programme of the Mission Green India, which aims at to create awareness among the people for conservation and preservation of forests, Manipur Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh has called for plantation of Agar and Red wood trees under Mission Green India for profitable source of income in this mendicant state.

The minister led a mass tree plantation drive inside the premise of Manipur Trade and Expo centre located at Lamboikhongnangkhong, Imphal on Monday.

The Minister said that planting of Agar and Red wood trees which can be a profitable source of income is suitable with our climatic conditions.

More than 500 tree saplings were planted by the officials, staff of the department and entrepreneurs. The mass tree plantation will help in beautification and landscaping the premise of the centre.

The programme, a continuation of Van Mahotsav, the annual tree planting festival, is envisaged to make a greener Manipur and Greener India and to help mitigate the impact of climate change which is being painfully experienced by the people of the State.

The State is facing unnatural frequent floods and drought like situation as the result of global warming which is a cause of concern for the citizens, the minister said, adding that trees contribute to regulating river flows both during dry seasons and high rainfall, thereby minimising risks related to water scarcity and floods. He opined that different varieties of fruit bearing, water bearing and shade providing trees will be planted inside the campus.

Urging all the official and staff of the department to take equal responsibility in nurturing the plant till it attains maturity, the Minister reiterated that the forest conservation is not the sole responsibility of the officials of Forest and Environment. The officials of Textiles, Commerce & Industries also need to play an active role in conservation efforts. He cited that active involvement of various departments, entrepreneurs, NGOS, CSOS is needed for conserving forest.

The Minister also instructed General Manger of District Headquarters to carry out similar activities in the future to instil in the collective consciousness to the younger generation towards conservation and preservation of Forest and Environment.

The mass tree plantation was organised by Department of Textiles, Commerce & Industries and was participated by Principal Secretary P. Vaiphei, Director C. Authur, officials of MSME and members of All Manipur Entrepreneurs Association.

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