Shillong Mar 24: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government would soon ink an agreement with the World Bank for funding to the tune of over Rs 100 crore aimed at protecting and preserving catchment areas of the state.

This announcement was made by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma regarding his government’s plans to protect water sources in the state, while addressing the “Natural Resources Management and Climate Change- Opportunities and Challenges for entrepreneurs in Garo Hills at Dikki Bandi Stadium, Tura on Saturday.

He said that the impact of global warming is already being felt across the length and breadth of the country and the world.

“Climate change is a fact and it is happening. Its impact is being felt across the globe and in India because of wanton destruction of forests, burning of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum leading to rise in CO2 emissions,” the chief minister said as he mentioned about moves being made by each country and states to reduce the carbon footprint.

He expressed concern over the fast depleting of water bodies in the state and the rise in temperature with each passing year.

“To preserve catchment areas, we will be signing a new agreement with the World Bank for funding to the tune of over Rs 100 crore that will be used for protection and preservation of the catchment areas with active support from the Nokmas and the public. This agreement that will be signed within a month and it will be incorporated in the 2018-19 scheme for the state,” the Chief Minister announced to the large gathering of participants at Tura who applauded the government move.

The Chief Minister also informed that as part of the green campaign “My Life! My Tree,” each family in the state would be encouraged to plant a tree sapling and nurture it till it grows.

“Trees give us oxygen and life, controls temperatures and brings much needed rain. Let us all plant and take responsibility for atleast one tree,” the chief minister appealed.

He added that the battle against global warming required to be taken beyond the protection of catchment areas and planting of trees.

“Awareness is one of the most important aspects and needs to start at the infant stage. That is why, time has come to put forth in the school curriculum the importance of responsibility for preserving our mother earth,” Conrad suggested.

The chief minister also announced to the gathering that his government would be laying utmost emphasis on non-conventional renewable energy to reduce the carbon footprint of the state.

“We seriously need to reduce our dependency on energy consuming gadgets and one of this government’s first resolutions is to do away with the age old use of incandescent bulbs that consume high energy and replace them with energy saving LED bulbs. The Central government is already giving out LED bulbs at a very low price and the state will need to ensure it is available in every village and town,” he said.

Earlier during the day, village employment councils from various parts of West Garo Hills took part in the climate change programme where speakers highlighted the importance of creating assets in harmony with nature.