Imphal: The closing function of the month-long observance of World Environment Day 2025 under the United Nations theme ‘Ending Plastic Pollution Globally’ was held today at City Convention Centre, Konung Mamang. The programme was organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur.
Mention may be made that World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on 5th June since 1973. This year World Environment Day 2025 is hosted by the Republic of Korea.
Speaking as Chief Guest at the function, Arun Kumar Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary, (Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Works & Agriculture) said that we need to make the slogan a reality and serious action should be taken to get rid of plastic pollution that we are grappling with. Government cannot alone fight against such pollution and needs cooperation from each and every section of the society. Small actions are needed to tackle the situation, he added.
He said that awareness is needed at all levels to safeguard the environment. Collective effort of all stakeholders is needed in safeguarding the environment although the Government has policy and programme, he further added. Citing instance of the plastic collected from Ithai Barrage at the recent flood, he said the biggest menace today is plastic pollution.
Arun Kumar Sinha stressed on the importance of preserving Loktak Lake from polluted water bodies. Stating that water pollution of Nambul river has reduced after the project taken up by the government, he said the water quality flowing into Loktak Lake has improved. He further added that government is doing their work but needs cooperation from all sections of the society. He urged people to come forward to make the slogan a reality for the future generation. It is our responsibility to give a better life to our future generation, he further added.
Dr. T. Brajakumar Singh, Director, Environment & Climate Change, said that the month-long observance has been participated by all sections of the society in various action-oriented programme organised by the department throughout the month. The participation shows that people are concerned about environment in safeguarding Mother Earth for the future generation, he added.
Director Brajakumar stressed on the dependence of people on the use of plastics in daily activities and it will be impossible to completely banned use of plastics but to end plastic pollution may be a possibility. We need to use alternative products such as bags made of paper, cloths and production of plastic will ultimately reduce if the demand reduces. He said that entrepreneurs also need to consider the impact cause to the environment from marketing of commercial products imported from other parts of the country.
He said that the competition organised by the Directorate broadens the knowledge of safeguarding the environment among the people. The winners will be given the opportunity to participate in national level competitions in the coming days. He further added that the directorate is working relentlessly to safeguard the environment through various programme in cooperation with Self Help Groups and other stakeholders.
Earlier, R.K. Dinesh Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, MAHUD, opened a Poster Competition and 3D Model Exhibition on Environmental Management and Conservation for College and University students.
A Cyclothone starting from THAU ground to City Convention Centre was also organised as part of the closing function of the month-long observance of World Environment Day 2025 before the formal function of the observance.
Plastic Bottle Bank numbering to 200 were distributed to Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Colleges with a purpose to end plastic pollution in their respective areas. Prizes were also distributed to the winners of the various competitions held during the month-long observance organised by the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur.
Shirui Youth Club and Enfogal from Ukhrul district were felicitated for collecting littered Plastic bottles from the venue of the recently concluded Shirui Lily Festival 2025. The two teams collected used bottles and were brought for recycling.
Dr. W. Roshan Singh, Member Secretary, Manipur Pollution Control Board, Ph. Vivekananda Sharma, Joint Director, Environment & Climate Change; Neeta Arambam, Joint Director, Environment & Climate Change were on the dais as Guest of Honours. Officials of the Directorate, teachers, experts from various institutions volunteers of SHGs and students took part in the closing ceremony. (DIPR)
