Shillong, 5th June 2025: The Committee on Environment of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly marked World Environment Day with a tree plantation programme at the Assembly Secretariat’s Administrative Block in Khyndailad, Shillong.

The event was graced by Deputy Speaker Shri Timothy D Shira, Committee Chairman Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, MLA (Jowai), Committee Member Shri Ollan Sing Suin, MLA (Mawsynram), Commissioner & Secretary Shri Andrew Simons, Secretary Shri Malthus S. Sangma, Chairman of the Lokayukta Shri C.P. Marak, and other co-opted members, forest officials, and dignitaries.

Saplings provided by the Forest Department were ceremonially planted by the dignitaries within the Assembly compound.

Shri Wailadmiki Shylla highlighted the symbolic importance of the initiative, stating, “Trees are nature’s defence force… development must go hand in hand with conservation.” He also underscored the government’s efforts, like the “Payment for Ecosystem Services” scheme under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.

Deputy Speaker Shri Timothy D Shira invoked India’s historic environmental values, citing Emperor Ashoka’s encouragement of tree planting, and stressed the urgency of restoring degraded forests, especially for the benefit of tribal communities and future water security.

Commissioner & Secretary Shri Andrew Simons appreciated the initiative as a step toward creating awareness and reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Committee concluded with a call to all citizens of Meghalaya to contribute actively to the state’s environmental preservation efforts.