MANIPUR WRAPS UP MONTH-LONG ENVIRONMENT DAY OBSERVANCE WITH PLEDGE TO COMBAT PLASTIC POLLUTION
Short Summary
The month-long observance of World Environment Day 2025 in Manipur—held under the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally”—concluded on June 30, 2025, at the City Convention Centre. Spearheaded by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, the campaign featured awareness drives, a cyclothon from THAU Ground, and a valedictory function. Principal Secretary Arun Kumar Sinha and Director T. Brajakumar Singh urged public participation to enforce plastic bans, mindful consumption, and youth engagement to safeguard Loktak Lake and the state’s broader ecosystem.
Invitation to the Conversation
Hey there, eco-warriors and curious minds! Ever wondered what it looks like when an entire state unites to tackle the plastic menace? Picture hundreds of cyclists pedaling through Imphal’s streets, students showcasing their creativity in poster contests, and community leaders ringing the alarm on our reliance on single-use plastics. That was Manipur’s month-long salute to World Environment Day, culminating in a powerful pledge to turn the tide on plastic pollution.
Mapping Manipur’s Month-Long Campaign
Launch and Early Activities
The campaign kicked off with tree-planting drives in Imphal East and West, involving schools, NGOs, and local panchayats. Imagine saplings lining dusty lanes—tiny green beacons of hope reminding us that growth takes time, care, and community effort.
Mid-Campaign Highlights
- Symposiums & Workshops: Experts unpacked the science of plastic degradation, likening plastic’s persistence to that unwelcome guest who never leaves a party.
- Poster Presentations & Exhibitions: Students from every corner of the valley showcased jaw-dropping artwork—some used discarded plastic to craft recycled masterpieces, proving that creativity can spring from waste.
- Awareness Drives in Rural Hubs: Teams traveled to villages around Ukhrul and Chandel, demonstrating how to make cloth bags and bio-degradable alternatives to everyday plastic items.
Cyclothon Craze
On June 30, over 500 cyclists donned green T-shirts and rode from THAU Ground to the City Convention Centre, turning traffic pauses into photo-ops for the cause. It was more than a race—it was a rolling banner: “Pedal for the Planet.”
The Grand Finale: Valedictory Function at the City Convention Centre
When the pedaling stopped, the real talk began. The Convention Centre, packed with government officials, students, and activists, buzzed like a beehive of ideas and determination.
Arun Kumar Sinha’s Wake-Up Call
As Chief Guest, Principal Secretary Arun Kumar Sinha didn’t mince words: “We have enough laws to curb plastic, but laws without people are like empty jars—useless unless filled.” He pointed to Loktak Lake, Manipur’s “ecological mirror,” where irresponsible plastic disposal chokes waterways and kills fish. If we care about our legacy, he argued, we must act now.
Youth Voices Rising
T. Brajakumar Singh, Director of Environment and Climate Change, rallied the youth: “Your energy, ideas, and passion are the engine of change. Treat Earth like your home—if you wouldn’t dump garbage in your own bedroom, why do it on our planet?” He handed out awards to students whose projects ranged from plastic-eating microbial cultures to DIY compostable tableware.
Why Loktak Lake Matters
Ever seen a mirror shatter? That’s what plastic does to Loktak’s reflection—murky debris replaces pristine waters. This UN-recognized Ramsar site is home to rare Sangai deer, fishermen whose boats glide amid floating phumdis (vegetative islands), and communities dependent on its bounty. When plastic invades, it threatens biodiversity, livelihoods, and the very identity of Manipur’s heartland .
Conclusion: A Collective Promise
Manipur’s month-long march against plastic pollution wasn’t just an event series—it was a statement: when communities, governments, and youth unite, even the most stubborn problems can bend toward solutions. Loktak Lake still shimmers under threat, but now, countless hands are poised to defend it. Will you join the pledge?
FAQs
1. What is World Environment Day?
World Environment Day, celebrated every June 5 and led by UNEP, is the UN’s flagship day for global environmental awareness and action, focusing on a rotating theme each year
2. Why is plastic pollution such a big deal?
Plastic persists for centuries, fragments into microplastics that infiltrate food chains, and pollutes waterways and landscapes. Less than 10% of global plastic is recycled annually
3. How does the cyclothon help the cause?
A cyclothon raises visibility, unites participants in a healthy, low-carbon activity, and symbolically underscores the shift from fossil-fuel dependence to cleaner choices
4. Can a single event change behaviour?
While one event rarely flips habits overnight, sustained campaigns—like Manipur’s month-long drive—build momentum, reinforce messages, and create peer-pressure for greener choices.
5. How can I support Manipur’s plastic-reduction efforts?
You can volunteer with local NGOs, spread awareness on social media, adopt zero-waste habits, and encourage policymakers to invest in recycling infrastructure and subsidies for biodegradable alternatives.
