Officials along with the volunteers during the plantation drive held along National Highway-702A in Longleng on June 20. (DIPR Photo)
Longleng, June 21 (MExN): A district-wide plantation drive jointly organised by the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), Longleng, and Lemsachenlok was inaugurated at Orangkong Junction along National Highway-702A on June 20.
The initiative was formally launched by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Longleng, Thungchanbemo Tungoe, who stressed the need for collective responsibility in protecting the environment and called upon all sections of society to actively participate in tree plantation and conservation efforts.
Addressing the gathering, Lemsachenlok chairman Y Nuklu Phom highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and community participation in afforestation programmes. He informed that all saplings planted under the drive would be geo-tagged to enable proper monitoring, documentation and assessment of their growth and survival.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Longleng, R S Prasad, IFS, underscored the significance of plantation drives in maintaining ecological balance and combating climate change. He encouraged citizens to contribute actively towards environmental protection through tree planting and conservation activities.
Phom People's Council (PPC) president Y B Angam Phom also stressed the importance of planting and nurturing trees for future generations and expressed hope that the initiative would contribute significantly to environmental conservation and help create a greener Longleng.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by EAC Sakshi, Er Keyileuteing Ndang, while the invocation prayer was offered by Pangpen, Pastor of Orangkong Baptist Church.
The plantation drive covers a stretch of approximately 12 kilometres from New Medical Site to Lemsachenlok Office Junction along NH-702A.
A total of 41 government departments participated in the drive along with the Orangkong Village Council (OVC) and the Phom People's Council. Participating departments and organisations were assigned specific stretches of the route to undertake plantation and maintenance activities under the supervision of designated officers.
The programme concluded with the ceremonial planting of saplings, marking the official launch of the district's plantation drive aimed at promoting a greener, healthier and more sustainable environment.
The initiative reflects the collective commitment of government departments, community organisations and local stakeholders towards environmental conservation and sustainable development in Longleng district.
