World Environment Day 2026 carrying the theme “Inspired by Nature, For Climate. For Our Future.” was today observed in East Jaintia Hills District by the office of the Divisional Soil & Water Conservation Officer, East Jaintia Hills S&WC Division, Khliehriat in collaboration with the office of Sub-Divisional Officer, PHE Electrical Division, Rymbai at a programme held at the Phe Phe Rymbai Cathment Area of the Phe Phe Rymbai Water Supply Scheme, East Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was attended by Khliehriat MLA, Shri Kyrmen Shylla in the presence of Assistant Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti F. Wann, MCS, Divisional Soil & Water Conservation Officer, East Jaintia Hills, S&WC Division, Khliehriat, Shri F. Syiemiong, Executive Engineer, PHE, Electrical Division, Jowai, Er. R. Nongtdu, Block Development Officer (BDO), Wapung C&RD Block, Dr T. Shylla, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), PHE Khliehriat Sub-Division, Khliehriat, Shri Montre Passah, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), PHE Electrical Division, Rymbai, Shri Albert Dkhar, Assistant Soil & Water Conservation Officer, East Jaintia Hills S&WC Division, Khliehriat, Smti R. Laloo, officials from District Agriculture & District Horticulture offices, East Jaintia Hills District, traditional heads of Rymbai Village, community members and students.
Addressing the gathering, Khliehriat MLA, Shri Kyrmen Shylla, emphasized the collective responsibility of protecting and preserving the environment. He stated that while human activities have contributed significantly to environmental degradation, it is also the duty of every individual to restore and safeguard nature through meaningful action.
Speaking on the tree plantation drive organized in connection with World Environment Day, he stated that planting trees is not only a way of replenishing natural resources but also a commitment towards correcting the damage caused to the environment over the years. He noted that while people may seek forgiveness from one another through words, nature can only be honoured and restored through responsible actions and dedicated efforts.
While highlighting the importance of afforestation, Shri Shylla remarked that although the district is blessed with abundant greenery, every tree planted contributes towards the larger global effort to combat climate change and environmental degradation. He further stated that various government schemes and international initiatives support environmental conservation, recognizing the vital role trees play in sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance. Urging citizens to be more conscious of their duties towards nature, he called upon everyone to actively participate in environmental protection and ensure a greener and healthier future for coming generations.
In her address during the programme, Assistant Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti F. Wann, MCS stated that World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5 even as she emphasized that environmental conservation should not be confined to a single day on the calendar, but should be embraced as a daily responsibility by every individual.
Highlighting the district’s rich natural resources, she noted that while pursuing economic development, it is equally important to maintain ecological balance and safeguard the environment for future generations.
She also expressed her appreciation to the Department of Soil and Water Conservation for its foresight and commitment in preserving the Greater Rymbai Water Supply Scheme by implementing a Miyawaki Afforestation Project in the catchment area. Further, she urged the department to extend the Miyawaki Afforestation Project to other parts of the district to enhance environmental sustainability and promote greener landscapes.
Smti F. Wann stressed the importance of collective responsibility of all stakeholders and community members in ensuring the survival and growth of the saplings planted during the programme, stressing that sustained community participation is essential for the success of afforestation initiatives in the district.
Following the programme, all dignitaries and attendees led by Khliehriat MLA, Shri Kyrmen Shylla took part in a tree plantation drive and planted saplings at the designated site.
Other highlight of the programme included a song performed by students of Rymbai Government Higher Secondary School, Rymbai.
