Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, along with government officials, civic authorities, and members of the public, participated in a cleanliness drive and tree plantation program today to mark World Environment Day. The event, held at Maharajganj Bazar in Agartala, aimed to raise awareness about the pressing need to combat pollution and promote a pollution-free environment.
Speaking at the event, Dr Saha emphasized the grave consequences of unchecked pollution on human existence. He stated, “Our entire existence will be jeopardized if we fail to maintain a pollution-free environment. That is why this year’s World Environment Day theme is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution.’ It is crucial to undertake public awareness initiatives to discourage the use of plastic.”
Acknowledging the pivotal role of trees in creating a pollution-free environment, the Chief Minister urged individuals to take responsibility for tree plantation. He stressed that the absence of trees not only contributes to environmental degradation but also disrupts the delicate balance of our ecosystem. He asserted, “It is the duty of every citizen to proactively participate in tree plantation initiatives. If a tree is felled for any reason, it must be replaced by planting another in its place.” The state government has prioritized tree plantation programs as an essential measure to mitigate pollution.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister called upon various social organizations to actively engage in promoting tree plantation and environmental conservation. He highlighted the importance of jute and bamboo as alternatives to plastic, stating that the usage of plastic must be curtailed to prevent pollution and maintain unobstructed roads and drains. The Chief Minister emphasized that merely discussing the need to reduce plastic usage is insufficient; practical implementation and enforcement of laws, coupled with public awareness campaigns on the detrimental effects of plastic, are imperative.
The cleanliness drive and tree plantation program witnessed the active participation of Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation Dipak Majumder, Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, Corporators Ratna Dutta, and Pintu Ranjan, among others. The event served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
As the world commemorates World Environment Day, the Chief Minister’s call for urgent action to control pollution resonates as a crucial reminder that the fate of human existence hinges on our ability to protect and preserve the environment.
