Humans need nature: Biren

Imphal: “Humans need nature for survival and nature does not need us”, Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said on the occasion of World Environment Day.

Biren said the essence of celebrating World Environment Day is to save human lives by protecting and preserving the environment. Natural disasters, global warming, climate change etc. are the consequences of the destruction of nature, he added.

The chief minister led others in tree plantation at Samadhi of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Bir Tikendrajit Park and Rani Gaidinliu Park on Friday.

The state level World Environment Day was organised by directorate of environment and climate change under the theme “Biodiversity”.

The chief minister said the state government has initiated Green Manipur Mission so as to conserve and preserve the forest area of the state. Mass plantation drives are being taken up in various parts of the state, he added and appealed to the people of the state to accomplish the mission.

Mentioning about the pandemic Covid-19, Biren cautioned the people that the disease could spread anywhere and infect anyone if we do not take precautionary measures and obey the advisories, guidelines and protocols issued by WHO, health Ministry and medical experts.

He said more than 35,000 natives have returned to the state from different parts of the country. The state government has been taken up all precautionary and preventive measures to control the spread of Covid-19.

He appreciated the efforts of frontline workers, civil society organisations, local volunteers in the fight against Covid-19. With the co-operation and support of the people, there has been no single case of community transmission in the state, he said.

The chief minister appealed the returnees to obey the SOPs and guidelines issued by the government. He affirmed that a collective responsibility and understanding can defeat the Covid-19.

Minister for forest and environment Awangbow Newmai, minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution Karam Shyam, deputy speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly K. Robindro, chairman of LDA L. Susindro, chairman of Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board H. Dingo, advisor to CM K. Leishiyo, MLA Th. Satyabrata Singh, additional chief secretary (forest) M.H. Khan and others attended the function.