Author name: OnlineAge

ITANAGAR : World Environment Day was observed across Arunachal Pradesh on Friday with plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, awareness programmes, special Gram Sabha meetings and community-led initiatives promoting environmental conservation and sustainable living. Government departments, local bodies, educational institutions, civil society organisations and community groups organised a series of activities focusing on afforestation, waste management, biodiversity conservation, climate action and public participation in protecting the environment. In the state capital, Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) participated in a plantation programme organized at Lok Bhavan. Interacting with Lok Bhavan and Forest Department officials, the Governor emphasized that protecting nature is a collective responsibility and called upon every citizen to actively contribute towards increasing the State’s green cover. He particularly stressed the need for extensive plantation drives in urban areas, where rapid development often comes at the cost of natural vegetation. Parnaik suggested that for every tree felled, at least ten saplings should be planted and nurtured to maintain ecological balance and safeguard the environment for future generations. He advised all that tree plantation should become a way of life rather than being confined to occasions such as World Environment Day or Van Mahotsav. He encouraged communities, educational institutions, government departments, and social organizations to incorporate plantation activities into every celebration and public event, transforming each occasion into an opportunity to give back to nature. Calling for greater public participation, Parnaik urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh to combine plantation efforts with cleanliness and environmental awareness drives. He also encouraged citizens to adopt mindful and sustainable practices in their daily lives, including conserving natural resources, reducing waste, and promoting eco-friendly habits. Describing Arunachal Pradesh as one of India’s richest repositories of biodiversity and natural beauty, the Governor appealed to the people to preserve and strengthen this invaluable heritage. “The responsibility of protecting the environment rests with every generation and that today’s efforts will determine the quality of life enjoyed by future generations”, he said. “Let us join hands to nurture nature, protect our forests, and enrich our environment. Together, we can preserve the pristine natural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and build a cleaner, greener, healthier, and more resilient future for all,” he appealed. Meanwhile, Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), through its Eco Club in collaboration with the Department of Geography and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Unit of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion, observed World Environment Day with an awareness campaign and public interaction programme. Despite disruptions to normal activities in the region, teachers, students, NCC cadets and Eco Club volunteers participated enthusiastically in the programme, reflecting their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Delivering the keynote address, DNGC Principal Dr MQ Khan emphasised the importance of environmental conservation, biodiversity protection and the responsible use of natural resources. He encouraged students to adopt sustainable lifestyles and contribute actively towards building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future. A major highlight of the observance was a plantation drive conducted on the college campus. Participants planted and adopted 60 saplings comprising ornamental plants, flowering trees and shrubs as part of the institution’s campus greening initiative.   At Ziro: Lower Subansiri DC Oli Perme commended the district-wide plantation drive undertaken to mark World Environment Day, during which more than 5,000 saplings were planted across five forest ranges under the Hapoli Forest Division. The large-scale initiative was organised by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change through the Hapoli Forest Range, Ziro, under the leadership of Divisional Forest Officer Tilling Takar, in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development, Lower Subansiri. A central commemorative programme was held at the District Dairy Farm in Siiro under the global World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future.” The plantation drive witnessed active participation from forest officials, government functionaries, volunteers and local residents, contributing significantly to efforts aimed at enhancing the valley’s green cover and conserving its fragile ecosystem. Addressing the gathering, speakers underscored the collective responsibility of citizens in safeguarding Ziro’s rich ecological heritage. They stressed the importance of sustainable dairy practices, environmentally responsible agriculture and adoption of eco-friendly lifestyles to ensure long-term environmental sustainability. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders and community members towards environmental conservation and climate-resilient development in the district. A Gram Sabha dedicated to Solid Waste Management (SWM) was also held in Ziro, bringing together residents, village leaders, administrative officials and technical experts to discuss community-driven strategies for maintaining cleanliness and protecting the valley’s fragile ecology. Welcoming the participants, District Panchayat Development Officer Hage Tarung stressed that keeping Ziro clean should be viewed not merely as a government responsibility but as a collective civic duty requiring active participation from every household. Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Commissioner-cum-Member Secretary Radhe Tatung outlined the roadmap for upcoming village-level sanitation initiatives. He emphasised that the success of waste management systems depends on close coordination between local monitoring committees and government departments, particularly in ensuring effective waste segregation and disposal. Dulley Pai called for greater community involvement in environmental conservation and urged residents to actively participate in cleanliness drives while reducing the use of single-use plastics. The meeting also featured an interactive discussion during which residents raised concerns and suggestions relating to waste collection mechanisms, plastic waste management and other sanitation-related issues. Officials responded to queries and assured participants that community feedback would be taken into consideration while implementing future initiatives.   At Pasighat: A district-level meeting on the implementation of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, and directions issued by the Supreme Court was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall to mark World Environment Day under the chairmanship of East Siang DC Sonalika Jiwani. The meeting was attended by public representatives, officials of line departments, members of the Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) and other stakeholders. Discussions centred on waste segregation, scientific waste management, public participation, institutional accountability and compliance with the new rules. During the meeting, it was informed that the Pasighat Solid Waste Management Plant, established by the PMC in collaboration

NERIST : Padma Shri awardee Dr BKS Sanjay, a noted orthopaedic and spine surgeon, delivered a motivational session for National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets during the ongoing Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC) being organised by 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli on Friday. Speaking on the theme, “Discipline, Ethics Lead to Excellence,” Dr Sanjay highlighted the importance of discipline, ethical conduct, character building and service to the nation as essential pillars of personal and professional success. Drawing from his experience in the medical profession, he shared insights on leadership, teamwork, resilience and integrity, encouraging cadets to uphold strong values in every sphere of life. He introduced the cadets to his “BKS Formula” — Behaviour, Knowledge and Skill — and said that lasting success is achieved through a balanced combination of these three attributes. He urged the cadets to cultivate self-discipline, effective communication skills, respect for others and a spirit of service. Dr Sanjay also stressed the importance of road safety and responsible citizenship while reminding cadets of the NCC motto, “Not Me But You.” He encouraged them to become role models and contribute meaningfully to nation-building. The interactive session was well received by the cadets, who expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn from the experiences of the distinguished national awardee. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and a pledge by the cadets to uphold the values of discipline, ethics and excellence in their lives.