IMPHAL, March 19 (DIPR): The Manipur Forest Department, in collaboration with local schools and environmental organizations, successfully organized a school rally today to commemorate the International Day of Forests. The event aimed to raise awareness about the crucial role forests play in sustaining life on Earth and to inspire young minds to become active participants in environmental conservation.
Hundreds of enthusiastic students from various schools across Imphal participated in the rally, carrying placards and banners with powerful messages such as “Save Forests, Save Future”, “Plant Trees, Save Lives”, and “Forests: Our Earth’s Lungs”. The rally began at the historic Kangla Fort, passed through key locations in the city, and culminated at Palace Compound, where a concluding ceremony was held. During the rally, students chanted slogans advocating for afforestation, wildlife protection, and sustainable development, drawing the attention of local residents and spreading the message of environmental responsibility. Many students expressed their excitement about being part of such an important initiative, recognizing the need to take action in preserving Manipur’s rich biodiversity.
The event was graced by several distinguished officials, reinforcing the significance of the occasion. Speaking at the event, Anurag Bajpai, PCCF & HoFF, Additional Chief Secretary (Textiles , Commerce & Industries, and TA & Hills) Manipur, emphasized the urgent need to protect forests to combat climate change, prevent soil erosion, and maintain ecological balance.
“Forests are our lifeline. They provide us with clean air, water, and countless resources essential for survival. It is our responsibility to protect and restore them for future generations. Through this rally, we aim to instil a sense of responsibility in our youth and encourage them to take active roles in conservation efforts,” he stated.
Other senior officials present at the event included RK Amarjit Singh, Conservator (Central Circle), Sanajaoba Khuraijam, Conservator (Southern Circle), Rajkumar Mayanglambam, Deputy Commissioner (Imphal West), Wungrin Maulie, DFO (Soil & Moisture Conservation Division), and Y. Kunje Singh, DFO (Social Forestry). Each official spoke about various aspects of forest conservation, including community involvement, afforestation drives, sustainable forest management, and wildlife protection.
The Manipur Forest Department has been actively implementing various initiatives to protect and restore the state’s forest cover, including:
Mass afforestation drives in deforested and degraded areas. Community-based forest management programs involving local villages, Wildlife protection campaigns to safeguard Manipur’s unique flora and fauna. The department plans to conduct similar awareness programs and conservation activities across different districts in the coming months to ensure that the message of forest conservation reaches every corner of the state.
The International Day of Forests, celebrated globally on March 21st, serves as a reminder of the indispensable role forests play in our ecosystem. The school rally organized by the Manipur Forest Department successfully engaged students, educators, and the public in a meaningful dialogue about the urgent need for sustainable forest management. The department remains committed to working with local communities, schools, and environmental organizations to preserve Manipur’s rich natural heritage for future generations.
