Shillong, June 5: Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda on Thursday participated in the World Environment Day 2026 celebrations at Shillong Golf Course, where he led a tree plantation drive aimed at promoting environmental conservation and sustainability.
The programme, held at Golflinks, was attended by Members of Parliament, Pynthorumkhrah MLA A. L. Hek, officials from the district administration and Forest Department, and representatives of the Shillong Club.
As part of the observance, Nadda planted saplings alongside A.L. Hek, symbolising a collective commitment towards protecting the environment and raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources.
Addressing the gathering, Nadda stressed that environmental protection is a shared responsibility and cannot be left solely to governments. He urged citizens, particularly young people, to actively participate in tree plantation initiatives, maintain cleanliness in their surroundings, and adopt practices that support environmental sustainability.
“Protecting the environment is not only the responsibility of the government but a collective duty of every citizen,” he said, while calling for greater public participation in conservation efforts.
Speaking on the occasion, A.L. Hek said that celebrating World Environment Day in Shillong conveyed a strong message that development and public health must progress alongside environmental protection. He noted that the Shillong Golf Course and the surrounding Golflinks area are endowed with rich natural beauty and highlighted the need for collective efforts to preserve these green spaces for future generations.
As part of the celebrations, participants planted saplings at various locations across the Shillong Golf Course premises, reaffirming their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The event formed part of the nationwide observance of World Environment Day 2026, aimed at encouraging communities to take proactive steps towards safeguarding the environment and promoting ecological balance.
