Shillong, Oct 2: Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma led the plantation drive and distributed saplings to students and community leaders at different locations in Tura and Ampati under Chief Minister’s Clean & Green Campaign and “Gift a Sapling” programme as part of the launch of 15-day programme of Gram Samriddhi Evam Swachhta Pakhwada, 2017 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on Monday.
Parliamentary Secretaries, Noverfield R. Marak, Brigady N. Marak and Ashahel D. Shira, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Pravin Bakshi, district officials, heads of institutions, community leaders, teachers and students were among others who participated in the tree plantation and clean & green campaign, where the Chief Minister suggested that a resolution be taken by all members present to inculcate a clean and healthy habits not only in their homes but also while travelling on the roads and in their surroundings.
The occasion was also a celebration of the intensification of Chief Minister’s Clean & Green Campaign, under which, millions of saplings have been distributed and planted across the state over the last five years since the launching of the programme in 2011-12.
The Chief Minister not only led the plantation drive but also demonstrated to the students as well as the officials how the saplings should be planted and also delivered lessons on profitable returns from ornamental and economic plantations.
Addressing the gathering at Tura Circuit House, the Chief Minister called upon the people to reconnect with nature and harness its potential not only for remunerative returns but also to address the issues of climate change.
Stating that the government has accorded special thrust on agro forestry, the Chief Minister informed that the process of plantation of restricted plants like Agar and Sandalwood has been simplified and called upon the farmers to take advantage of the same to benefit their future generations.
Responding to queries from certain quarters on the number of “missions” that the state government has initiated, the Chief Minister said that the government has labeled all its welfare programmes as “mission” to get out of the “business as usual” approach, and embark on a mission-mode approach with the active involvement of all stakeholders for a common objective.
Led by the Chief Minister, plantation of bougainvillea saplings were undertaken at Tetengkol Junction, Circuit House and ITI, Araimile in Tura and Chengkompara locality, roadside, and Circuit House at Ampati.
Cleaning drives were also conducted in various schools, government institutions and localities in South West Garo Hills.
