The Committee on Environment of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly commemorated World Environment Day with a Tree Plantation Programme held at the Secretariat Administrative Block of the Assembly premises, Khyndailad, Shillong.
The programme witnessed the gracious presence of the Deputy Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shri Timothy D Shira; Chairman of the Committee on Environment, Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, MLA (Jowai); fellow Committee member Shri Ollan Sing Suin, MLA (Mawsynram); Commissioner & Secretary Shri Andrew Simons; Secretary Shri Malthus S. Sangma; Chairman of the Lokayukta, Shri C.P. Marak; and other Co Opted members and Forest officers, senior officials and dignitaries.
Each of the dignitaries participated in the ceremonial planting of trees within the Assembly Secretariat compound. The saplings were provided by the Forest Department of Meghalaya.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, Chairman of the Committee on Environment, stated,
“Today, through this tree plantation initiative, we join hands with the rest of the world in observing World Environment Day. Though modest, this programme carries a strong message. Trees are nature’s defence force, and this symbolic act reflects our commitment to preserving the environment. We are happy to be joined by the Hon’ble Deputy Speaker and other esteemed members. Through this, we wish to send a strong message to all citizens of Meghalaya and beyond — it is our shared duty to protect the environment and to leave behind a better world for future generations.”
On balancing development with environmental conservation, Shri Shylla further remarked,
“Development and environmental protection must go hand in hand. We acknowledge the need for modern infrastructure, but not at the cost of our natural resources. The Government of Meghalaya is actively implementing several initiatives — one of the most significant being the Payment for Ecosystem Services, under which citizens are incentivised to protect forests. We are confident that under the leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Conrad K Sangma, who also holds the Forest portfolio, we will continue making significant strides in environmental protection.”
Briefing the Press, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker Shri Timothy D Shira noted,
“Today, as the world observes Environment Day, we reflect on India’s deep-rooted tradition of environmental consciousness. Even during Emperor Ashoka’s reign in 268 BC, citizens were encouraged to plant trees along roads for shade and ecological balance. Unfortunately, our forests have suffered significant degradation. This plantation initiative is crucial to restoring the environment, and it sets a strong example not just for urban citizens, but also for our rural communities.”
He further added,
“Our tribal communities — the Khasis, Jaintias, and Garos — have always shared a close bond with nature, relying on forests for sustenance. However, due to deforestation, streams are drying up, and ecological balance is at risk. We must act now to restore and preserve our forests for sustained water sources and biodiversity.”
Commissioner & Secretary Shri Andrew Simons also shared his thoughts on the initiative:
“It is only appropriate that on World Environment Day, we participate in this tree plantation drive. We thank the Environment Committee, especially the Chairman Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, our Deputy Speaker Shri Timothy D Shira, and committee member Shri Ollan Sing Suin, for taking this initiative forward. We also acknowledge the support of the Forest Department. This effort, though small in scale, serves as an inspiration for future generations and highlights the importance of trees in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.”
The Committee reaffirmed its dedication to environmental protection and urged all citizens to actively participate in eco-friendly initiatives across the state.
