Poumai students in Shillong have taken an innovative and eco-friendly approach to their summer vacation by adopting cherry saplings at Naamai Zho, an emerging tourist destination in Manipur’s Senapati district. The students have planted dozens of cherry saplings and pledged to nurture them until they reach the age of seven. The initiative was part of a one-day awareness programme-cum-tree plantation drive initiated by Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me (PNTM), Shillong, in collaboration with Senapati Forest Division and Naamai Eco-tourism Society (NETS). The event aimed to raise awareness about climate action and the importance of preserving and exploring nature’s beauty. The event also saw a poster and signature campaign to encourage people to adopt green living practices.
The President of PNTM, Shillong, P.K. Francis, said that the students wanted to spend their vacation with a difference, by planting cherry saplings at Naamai Zho. He emphasized the importance of education to combat and adapt to climate change and said that critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills are needed to take action. Francis added that vacations can be positively channeled for social engineering, and urged everyone to contribute to the cause.
Benjamin Ziipao, Range Officer of Liyai Forest Range, stressed the need for nurturing saplings after planting. He said that sustainability should be the prime focus, and resources should be optimized by planting fewer saplings following good agricultural practices, and ensuring effective protection mechanisms to ensure survival. Chiziinai Easter Khonah also added that taking care of the planted saplings is more important than planting thousands that go unattended. She said that there is an urgent need to plant trees with a sense of ownership and belongingness, and adopting trees and building fraternity ties with them is a responsibility.
President of Naamai Eco-tourism Society, Y Mathew, praised the student community for the novel initiative and urged civil society organizations, churches, and individuals to act on mitigating climate change by adopting trees. Mathew said that trees are a symbol of dignity and reminded everyone that we should do everything we can for a healthy planet.
The tree planting event was not only successful in planting saplings but also in creating environmental awareness among students and visitors. It is hoped that such initiatives will inspire more people to take up socially and environmentally responsible practices in their daily lives. Climate change is a mounting concern for all of us, and it’s essential to act together to mitigate its impact. Let’s take more initiatives like this one and support each other in building a green and sustainable future.
