Ampati, June 6, 2025: World Environment Day was observed with great fervour and unity across South West Garo Hills district on Thursday, with this year’s global theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution”, echoing strongly through various awareness and afforestation events.

At the Multi-Facility Centre in Mellim under Rerapara C&RD Block, the Social Forestry Division, Tura in collaboration with the Mellim Beekeepers Association, organised the district-level celebration. The programme featured a roadside tree plantation drive and saw enthusiastic participation from teachers and students of Soudarion Secondary School, Mellim Higher Secondary School, and Shinefield School. Drawing, painting, and essay competitions were also conducted for students to creatively express their concerns on plastic pollution.

Village leaders, including Nokmas of Matalagre, Agasigre, Oragre, and Indikgre, as well as church leaders from Krima 19, graced the occasion with their presence.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, M.J.A. Sangma, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry & Environment, Garo Hills Region, recounted a disturbing incident where plastic was found inside a cow’s stomach during a post-mortem. He urged people to adopt eco-friendly alternatives and emphasised the importance of waste segregation, especially in rural areas where livestock are exposed to unmanaged plastic waste.

A Ch. Momin, MCS, BDO of Rerapara C&RD Block, served as the Guest of Honour and highlighted that among the 143 villages in the block, only Chisigre has so far stepped forward to initiate plastic waste management. He stressed the urgency of community-based waste segregation and the dangers of plastics, noting their carcinogenic nature and the need for sustainable use of resources.

In his keynote address, A Ch. Sangma, MFS, DFO, Social Forestry Division, Tura, discussed the severity of global plastic pollution. He cited statistics showing that over 516 million tonnes of plastic have been used and projected figures reaching 1.2 billion tonnes. He pointed out disturbing findings of plastic traces in tiger excreta in Corbett National Park and even in the deepest parts of the ocean, such as Marina Trench. He called for strong community regulations and behavioural change, urging citizens to carry their own water bottles and reusable bags.

Meanwhile, Betasing C&RD Block marked the occasion with an extensive afforestation drive. In the presence of R.Z.D. Shira, Project Director, SRES-DID, and C.R.N. Sangma, BDO of Betasing C&RD Block, indigenous species were planted using Artificial and Assisted Natural Regeneration Models on 63 hectares of land donated by the A·king Nokma of Malchapara Village.

Schools across the district also celebrated the day with plantation and awareness drives. At Okkapara Songgitcham Government LP School, under Rerapara C&RD Block, Emphul Ch. Marak, SDSEO (i/c), and Tapos Ch. Marak, SEO of the Joint Director, Tura, engaged students and villagers with the education department’s theme “Nurture Today, Secure Tomorrow”. Emphul Ch. Marak encouraged planting a tree in one’s mother’s name, promoting the symbolic connection between motherhood and environmental care. Teachers and local leaders, including Nokmas and school committee members, spoke passionately about deforestation and its consequences.

In Ampati, officers and staff of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and Amalgamated Establishment observed the day through a cleanliness drive and tree plantation in and around the DC Office compound, reiterating the district’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future.