ITANAGAR, Jun 5: Arunachal Pradesh observed the World Environment Day today with the rest of the nation and world with events organised by the Department of Environment and Forests and various organisations across the state.
Governor Brig. (Dr) B. D. Mishra (Retd.) and First Lady of the state Neelam Misra planted cherry blossom saplings at the premises of the Raj Bhavan to mark the occasion. With this year's theme of the WED being ‘Ecosystem Restoration’, the Governor called for rejuvenating the state's ecosystems for protecting and improving the subsistence of people. It will also help to dispel diseases and reduce the risks of landslides, floods, soil erosion and other natural disasters, he said, adding that ecosystem restoration will help in achieving the human-friendly amenities and developmental goals. 
While urging the state's citizens to plant trees extensively, the Governor said that destruction of each tree for any developmental project should be compensated with planting of twenty by the concerned agencies under the guidance of the Environment and Forest department. Let’s take suo motu initiative and voluntarily participate in ecosystem restoration activities in the state so that we can gift a better environment to the posterity, the Governor appealed.
Reminding the danger of the prevailing pandemic, he also appealed to the citizens to strictly observe all Covid-appropriate behaviour.
Department of Environment and Forest observed the WED here at the state guest house premises in Niti Vihar marked with a ceremonial tree plantation by Minister, Environment & Forests Mama Natung in presence of PCCF & Principal Secretary R.K. Singh and senior officers of the department.
During the virtual celebration that followed, Natung launched two e-portals relating to Online Consent Management and Monitoring System (OCMMS) and Public Grievances Redressal which will help the entrepreneurs and state's citizens in the ease of doing business. He released an inventory report on seven wastes in Arunachal Pradesh and inaugurated the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS). A short video on making of traditional Mishmi bags using plastic waste by the Walla Self Help Group, Anjaw was screened on the occasion. This has helped in reducing the carbon footprint in the area and also provided livelihood to the local populace. The winners of online painting competitions in four categories were also announced on the occasion. 
While addressing the participants the Minister emphasized on preservation and restoration of the state's ecosystems. Congratulating the winners of the online painting competition, Natung appealed to the citizens particularly the younger generation to work for protection of trees, wildlife and rivers. The Deputy Commissioner, Anjaw and the Self Help Group were commended by the Minister for the innovative work. Later, a webinar was conducted on this year's WED theme i.e. Ecosystem Restoration. Regional Director, Central Pollution Control Board, North Eastern Zone, Shillong Dr. Z. Changzan, RFRIs Jorhat Dr. K. Giri and Dr. P. Hazarika and Dr. K. Bagra from NEIFM, Pasighat participated in the webinar.
The programmes were organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board and attended by officers and scientists of the Department of Environment & Forests, school and college students and NGOs and conservationists from various districts. 
In West Kameng district the World Environment Day was observed in Bomdila by the Department of Forest in collaboration with the All West Kameng Students' Union (AWKSU).
A total of 1500 trees were planted around the stretches of the Bomdila Bypass. Deputy Commissioner Karma Leki, SP Bomdila, ADC headquarter, administrative officers, 
NSS unit of Government College, Bomdila, members of Arunachal Scouts and GCB were present on the occasion.
Arunachal Vikas Parishad celebrated the WED through a state-wide tree plantation drive. 
Fruits and other ornamental saplings were planted at more than three hundred places in the state. The plantations were undertaken by the respective District Committee members of the AVP and its well-wishers. AVP has expressed its gratitude to MLA Ninong Ering and other well-wishers for participating in the mass tree plantation drive.
Rajiv Gandhi University observed the WED through a national webinar organised by its  Department of Botany.
More than 250 participants including scientists, academicians, ecologists, research scholars and students attended the webinar which was inaugurated by VC Professor Saket Kushwaha. While stressing on the need to get wiser and conservative to achieve sustainable development, he encouraged all to create awareness on environment issues and look for solutions. Pro VC Professor Amitava Mitra spoke on the importance of plants and creating mass awareness on depleting environment. Registrar Dr NT Rikam, stressed on maintaining a balance with nature to make the world a livable place for future generations. Head, Department of Botany, Professor RK Singh spoke about the importance of incorporating agents of ecosystem services during afforestation.
During the technical session, Padma Shree awardee Jadav Payeng shared his journey as the Forest Man of India and emphasized on the importance of incorporating environmental studies in primary schools and imparting practical skills and knowledge in local languages. Winner, Whitley Award 2021 Y Nuklu Phom highlighted the ill  effects of depleting environment. He also spoke on his efforts and experiences in restoring ecosystem and conservation of Amur Falcons. Director, ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute Dr Ayyanadar Arunachalam spoke at length on ecosystem restoration and stressed on planting more trees and restoring rivers. He also highlighted the potential for Arunachal Pradesh to become a model state for ecosystem restoration.
Joint Registrar (Academic and Conferences) Dr David Pertin and Associate Professor of the department Dr Hui Tag also spoke at the webinar. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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