Meghalaya forest staff felicitated

Shillong: The state forest and environment department celebrated World Environment Day on Wednesday at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Umsawli. The programme was organised by the social forestry and environment wing, Meghalaya, on the theme “Land Restoration Desertification and Drought Resilience”.
Addressing the gathering, chief secretary to the govt of Meghalaya, Donald P Wahlang, said, “Environment is the foundation of human civilization, providing us with the essentials of life and shaping the world.Our relationship with the environment has not always been harmonious; the rapid pace of industrialization, urbanization and population growth has put unprecedented pressure on our planet, leading to deforestation, pollution, climate change and depletions of our natural resources.”
He also stressed on three “A”s — awareness, action and aspiration.
On this day, the department felicitated the staff of social forestry division of East Khasi hills for their dedication to their work.
To promote awareness on preserving nature and identify the problems related to environment and take corrective measures, the BSF Meghalaya Frontier observed World Environment Day on Wednesday.
“Troops of BSF took pledge to make all possible changes in their daily life to protect the environment and motivate others on the importance of environment-friendly habits,” a BSF spokesperson said, adding that free saplings were also distributed among the public.
Officers and troops of the 119 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) based in Kenche’s Trace, Shillong, recommitted themselves to protect the environment.