HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 5: World Environment Day was celebrated at Guwahati Airport on Wednesday with various green initiatives aimed at preserving the natural balance of the earth.
The program began with a significant awareness oath-taking ceremony in the morning, coinciding with Environment Day. In the oath, everyone present pledged unanimously to save the natural environment and green their respective areas of residence. Following the ceremony, hundreds of trees were planted around the airport premises. Additionally, tree saplings were distributed to the passengers arriving at the airport today.
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The event was attended by chief airport officer, Utpal Baruah, chief CISF officer, Lalmohan Thakur, station manager of IndiGo Airlines, Guwahati, Jaideep Sarkar, and more than 200 individuals from various departments and agencies of the airport.
Similarly, Nabin Sarma Smriti Chora celebrated World Environment Day 2024 in association with New Guwahati Adarsha High School on Wednesday. The program was conducted by the general secretary of Nabin Sarma Smriti Chora, Bhaskar Kaushik. Binay Sarma, the headmaster of the school, inaugurated the program. Dr Pradip Sarma presented a PowerPoint discussion on the main theme of the day. A quiz competition on the environment among the students was conducted by Dr Chayanika Sarma. Nagen Sarma offered the vote of thanks. Saplings of flowers and valuable trees were distributed along with books and certificates to the winning students. Bhumijyoti Nath and Jubaraj Bezbaruah were adjudged as first, while Dipika Kalita and Megha Rani Talukdar received the second prizes in the quiz competition.
Likewise, NF Railway observed ‘World Environment Day’ with the theme ‘Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience’, focusing on trees, healthy soil, and clean water that are imperative for a solid planet. To mark this occasion, Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, general manager of NF Railway, inaugurated the sewage treatment plant (STP) with a capacity of 100 KLD (kiloliters per day) and a bio-toilet lab at Kamakhya Coaching Depot in Maligaon. Senior railway officials of headquarters were also present on the occasion. Tree plantation drives, along with various other awareness campaigns, were also carried out in the headquarters and all the five divisions of Northeast Frontier Railway with the participation of railway officials. A booklet on environment and housekeeping management initiatives was released by the general manager on the occasion.
Due to increased urbanisation, the management of solid waste is becoming a challenge. To cope with this problem, the government of India introduced solid waste management rules in the year 2016. NF Railway has taken various steps, including the installation and commissioning of Incinerators at New Bongaigaon workshop and Dibrugarh workshop, mechanised laundry at Kamakhya depot, bio-digester plants at Guwahati station & East Gotanagar, and bio-methanation plant at Central Hospital, Maligaon.
Speaking on the occasion, the general manager said that NF Railway is taking multiple initiatives on all fronts to reduce the adverse impact on the environment. Northeast Frontier Railway predominantly functions in the ecologically sensitive areas of the north-east region. Accordingly, various initiatives like conserving green belt along the tracks, afforestation, water conservation, solid waste management, railway electrification to reduce carbon dioxide emission, energy conservation by using LED lights, initiatives for renewable energy, harnessing solar energy, and bio-friendly disposal of effluent discharge from the rolling stock along with various other environment-friendly measures are being taken by NF Railway. The World Environment Day was also observed by NFRWWO (Northeast Frontier Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation) by planting saplings and organising art competitions amongst school children at various locations.
In similar fashion, Khetri Dimoria College also celebrated Environmental Day with an event organised by Byatikram. About 20 to 25 trees were planted in the morning, in addition to the awareness meeting that took place on Wednesday. The idea and aim of this drive are to raise awareness in society towards the importance of planting and saving trees and to promote environmental values and institutional social responsibility.
Following the plantation drive, a special meeting was called, and a lamp was lit to officially launch the program. Along with several other notable guests, the meeting was attended by Dr Arup Kumar Mishra, chairman, Pollution Control Board, Assam; Manabjyoti Barkakati, principal, Dimoria College; Archita Baruah Bhattacharjee, state coordinator, WWF in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
“We have worked on several projects with Byatikram. They have been constantly conscious of environmental concerns. They have previously organised campaigns to raise awareness of environmental issues,” stated Dr Arup Kumar Mishra, the chairman of Pollution Control Board, Assam.
“First of all, I would like to thank Dr Saumen Bharatiya, chairman, Byatikram MASDO for holding such a beautiful event in our college,” stated Manabjyoti Barkakati, principal of Dimoria College. “This day’s primary goal is to raise awareness of the value of a green and healthy environment in people’s lives on a global scale. Every member of society must protect their surroundings.”
About this event, Byatikram MASDO president Dr Saumen Bharatiya said, “With the development of human civilisation, machinery, and environmental pollution have grown in number in the modern era. However, individuals need to adopt an environmentally responsible mindset. To keep the natural equilibrium, they must plant trees. This is just a little effort on our part. Every year, we observe World Environment Day. At Khetri Dimoria College, we are commemorating World Environment Day this year. I want to express my gratitude to the Dimoria College Authority and the amazing students for supporting the cause.”
The day-long program began with a plantation drive within the college premises. This was followed by a discussion session on the theme ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’, and a debate competition on the topic ‘Is Renewable Energy the Ultimate Solution to the Climate Crisis?’
The debate competition’s first, second, and third-place winners received trophies, and each instructor in attendance received a tree seedling as a gift, marking the program’s conclusion.
The program was supported by the Department of Climate Change, the Pollution Control Board, Assam; WWF, etc.
Our Demow correspondent adds: Under the aegis of the Demow Higher Secondary School Eco Club, World Environment Day was observed at Demow Higher Secondary School on Wednesday. On the occasion, saplings were planted on the school campus by Dipen Gogoi, vice-president of the School Management and Development Committee, and Bokul Dutta, principal of Demow Higher Secondary School, on Wednesday morning. An art competition, slogan writing competition, and extempore speech competition were organised on Wednesday. The topic was ‘Our Land, Our Future’. Under the patronage of ‘Sarathi’, an NGO, and in association with the people, an awareness meeting and sapling plantation programme were organised in Bokota Nemuguri Higher Secondary School premises on Wednesday.
Our Jagiroad correspondent adds: A two-day free medical camp and an awareness meeting on child protection were held at the premises of the Morigaon District Child Protection Officer’s Office in collaboration with Child Helpline, Morigaon on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by Dr Arun Kumar Nath, joint director, Health Services, Morigaon district. Dr Nath emphasised the importance of parents paying special attention to the health of children from an early age. He highlighted the significance of not neglecting essential health issues, especially in the upbringing of girl children. Dr Nath stressed the importance of following doctors’ advice and administering medications early on to prevent anemia among girls. The District Child Protection Group also selected the poorest families and children to be assisted under various schemes. The health camp provided free health check-ups and necessary medicines to about 50 people. Subsequently, another meeting was held on the topic of ‘Boycott Polythene’ in conjunction with World Environment Day. The meeting was attended by additional district commissioner Sulakshana Barpatragohain, city project manager of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Nagari under Morigaon Municipal Board Mridul Kumar Nath, advocate Niranjan Kumar Barua, district child protection officer Mridusmita Barua, and many others.
Our Nagaon correspondent adds: Various educational institutions, government offices, clubs, NGOs, environmental organisations, as well as other organisations, observed World Environment Day with day-long programs and conducted plantation drives at their respective premises to highlight the importance of trees for the existence of living beings on the planet.
Organisations such as the UCO Club unit of Nowgong College (autonomous), Dhing College, Lions Club Nagaon, Nagaon Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and the District Agriculture Office observed the day with great enthusiasm. They urged everyone to plant trees to combat global warming and promote a sustainable green environment in their respective localities.
As part of the day’s activities, Dr Niranjan Deka, principal scientist and head of Nagaon KVK, led a massive plantation drive along with hundreds of students at the office premises. Addressing the occasion, Dr Deka advocated for the restoration of the environment, urging everyone to plant ten saplings for every tree that is felled to combat global warming and the rapid changes in climate. Dr Hemen Kalita, principal scientist of the Shillongani-based Zonal Agriculture Research Station, was the chief guest. Additionally, a drawing competition was organised among school children.
Similarly, the Nagaon Lions Club, led by Monika Shaha, secretary of the Club, along with Ajoy Mittal, Biswajit Mahanta, Pralay Shah, Gurucharan Singh, and Pranab Das, conducted a plantation drive at its district office and two separate parks situated at Borghat Bypass Chariali and Bebejia area respectively.
Furthermore, the Eco Club unit and NSS unit of Nowgong College, in association with Nagaon Kalongpar branch, Assam Science Society, organised an environment awareness campaign at its college premises. Noted environmental activist Prasanta Bordoloi was present as the chief guest. Dr Bhuban Chandra Chutia, coordinator of Eco Club, and NSS unit mentored the program, while Dr Ranjit Kumar Muzindar, principal of the college, welcomed the attendees. Bordoloi delivered a brief note on ‘Wildlife around us: Habitat, behavior, and role in the ecosystem’. Additionally, a poster-making and video-making competition was organised among the students to raise environmental awareness and foster a commitment to biodiversity conservation.
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of its founder of Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh, Yogi Adityanath, as well as World Environment Day, the Nagaon district body of Biswa Hindu Mahasangha observed the day with day-long programs at Uttar Haibargaon Madhabdev path. The program was attended by Gautam Bora, the state assistant organising secretary, joint organising secretary Ghanakanta Mahela, adviser Nava Kumar Mahanta. Kriya Bharati, Nagaon, also observed the day and conducted a plantation drive at Nagaon town.
Our Sivasagar correspondent adds: On the occasion of World Environment Day 2024, the NSS unit along with the NCC unit of Sibsagar Girls’ College carried out a plantation drive on the theme of ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’ on NH 37 at Nowjan, Sivasagar. The NSS Programme coordinator, Dr Syeda Nishat Firdusi, and NCC captain Arafa Begum, ANO of Sibsagar Girls’ College, executed the program with 40 NSS and NCC volunteers. Dr Protim Sharma, principal of Sibsagar Girls’ College, initiated the plantation program by planting a Neem (Melia azedarach L.) sapling with a protection fence, followed by another Nahor (Mesua ferrea L.) sapling plantation by Col BKK Vamsi, commanding officer of 11 Assam Girls (I) Coy NCC Sivasagar. At the completion of the program, many saplings, including neem, nahor, and bokul, with protection fences, were planted at the highway divider.
‘Drishyapat, Sivasagar’, a newly formed amateur drama group, observed the day by planting saplings in Sivasagar Amolapatty Sankardev Sishu Niketan premises. The event was inaugurated by Dr Mani Pathak, president of Drishyapat. The pradhan acharjya of the Niketan and a host of other citizens also took part in the plantation drive.
Our Tezpur correspondent adds: Along with the rest of the world, different organisations, educational institutions, and individuals observed ‘World Environment Day’ with various programs throughout the district of Sonitpur on Wednesday, focusing on this year’s theme ‘land restoration, stopping desertification, and building drought resilience’.
The department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University (TU), celebrated the day with a series of impactful events and activities aimed at raising awareness about environmental conservation and promoting sustainable practices. The day started at Tezpur University with Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, vice chancellor, TU, planting samples inside the campus. Jatindra Sarma, former field director of Kaziranga National Park, was present on the occasion as the guest of honour and resource person.
Inaugurating a seminar organised in connection with the celebration of the day, Prof Singh highlighted this year’s theme, i.e., land restoration, stopping desertification, and building drought resilience. Addressing the august gathering, he said that ecosystem restoration is not just about planting trees or cleaning rivers; it is about envisioning and creating a sustainable future. “It involves policy change, community engagement, and innovative solutions that respect and enhance our natural world,” the vice chancellor added.
In his address, former field director of Kaziranga National Park, Sarma, said that World Environment Day is a reminder of our responsibility to protect our planet. Delivering a talk titled ‘Biodiversity of Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and Rare Plants of Assam’, he said that the rare plants found in Kaziranga contribute to Assam’s ecological wealth. Earlier, Prof K Marimuthu, head of the department, urged all to integrate environmental consciousness into every aspect of their lives, from daily habits to long-term planning. The department also organised slogan writing, mobile photography, drawing, and quiz competitions on the occasion.
Meanwhile, to mark the day, Lokanayak Omeo Kumar Das College NCC organised a tree plantation program in association with the NSS of the college. LOKD College NCC conducted the program as in previous years to create awareness about maintaining a green and healthy environment through tree plantation and enthusiastically took part in a tree plantation program. The principal of the college, Dr Sukdev Adhikari, inaugurated the program by planting a sapling of Terminalia Bellirica (Bhomora) and delivered a brief speech stressing the need for tree plantation for land restoration. Altogether, 20 saplings of 5 local fruit species were planted by cadets, teachers, and volunteers. Through the plantation drive, cadets also became familiar with fruit species like Bhomora. As part of the program, cadets and volunteers were instructed to look after the saplings planted by them. 25 cadets and 15 NSS volunteers participated in the program. The program was supervised by ANO captain Dr Jyotshna Baruah, ANO Lt Dr Pitambar Sedai, and NSS program officer Prasanta Boro.
On the other hand, 30 BN CRPF, with its headquarters at Chariduar, conducted a plantation drive in the presence of Arun Kumar Meena, commandant, DL Hmar, deputy commandent for the occasion. Commandant Meena described the prevailing condition of the environment as worrying and informed that humans have caused the maximum damage to the environment, and now it is the responsibility of everyone to protect it by planting new trees and disposing of waste properly; otherwise, future generations may have to suffer dire consequences. On the occasion, all the members and soldiers took a pledge in the presence of commandant Arun Kumar Meena, vowing that the environment will not be polluted in any way.
In collaboration with Parbatiya Gaon Panchayat, Sonitpur district administration celebrated the day at heritage Ganesh Mandir campus, Devising Ghat. In the presence of district commissioner of Sonitpur, Deba Kumar Mishra, CEO of Sonitpur Zila Parishad, Karabi Saikia Karan, noted writer and entrepreneur Nayan Jyoti Bhattacharya, and distinguished personalities, more than five hundred valuable tree saplings were planted in the area. The Pollution Control Board celebrated the day at Tezpur College and organised a meeting on ‘Our Soil, Our Future’, keeping parity with the theme of World Environment Day. The principal of Tezpur College, Jyoti Kamal Hazarika, and an officer of the Pollution Control Board addressed the gathering with deep insight on the subject.
Our Kokrajhar correspondent adds: Along with the rest of the state, World Environment Day was celebrated at different places in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) districts on Wednesday with befitting programmes. In Kokrajhar, the Department of Forest & Environment, government of BTR, celebrated World Environment Day at Kachugaon IB bungalow complex and Takampur village under Kachugaon forest division amidst the presence of departmental officials, local people, and NGO members. The executive member of the Forest Department of BTR, Ranjit Basumatary, Gossaigaon MLA Jiran Basumatary, EM (BTR) Wilson Hasda, and senior government officials were prominent attendees at the event. A massive sapling plantation was also carried out to mark the celebration at Takampur village in the area.
Meanwhile, NTPC Bongaigaon commemorated World Environment Day on Wednesday with a series of initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. The day began with the administration of the ‘Environment Day Pledge’ to all employees by Akhilesh Singh, head of project and business unit head, NTPC Bongaigaon. The pledge ceremony was witnessed by senior officials, including Induri S Reddy (GM, O&M), Asutosh Biswas (GM, Operation), and Sangeeta Singh (president, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, NTPC Bongaigaon). Following the pledge, a walkathon was organised, with enthusiastic participation from senior officials, employees, and their families. A central focus of the day’s activities was a large-scale tree plantation drive held within the NTPC Bongaigaon township. Employees, family members, ladies club members, associates, children from Notre Dame School, and Ankur Tiny Tots School of the township joined hands to plant over 100 saplings at various locations of the plant and township. The planted saplings included a variety of fruit-bearing and medicinal trees, promoting biodiversity and environmental health. In his address, Akhilesh Singh highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Environment Monitoring Group (EMG) and NTPC Bongaigaon towards environmental protection and afforestation. He emphasised the company’s commitment to developing a green belt within the township, plant premises, and surrounding areas. Singh stressed the importance of continuous and collective efforts for environmental preservation. The celebration of World Environment Day at NTPC Bongaigaon extends beyond a single day. Various competitions focused on environmental awareness are planned for employees, spouses, and children, further promoting a culture of sustainability within the community. World Environment Day was also carried out at various places in Baksa and Udalguri districts, planting several hundreds of saplings on the day. Several NGOs and Forest Department officials are seen busy on the implementation of the successful steps for reforestation in the Bodoland region.
