Imphal: Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Friday called for greater climate consciousness and collective responsibility towards environmental conservation during the observance of World Environment Day 2026 at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal.
The programme, organised by the Department of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur, was held under the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Konthoujam highlighted this year’s World Environment Day theme, hosted by Azerbaijan, and described nature as humanity’s greatest teacher and the foundation of life on Earth. He expressed concern over the growing stress on ecosystems caused by environmental degradation and climate change, stressing the need for immediate and collective action to protect and restore the environment.
While acknowledging the importance of seminars, symposiums and awareness campaigns, the minister said meaningful change can only be achieved when individuals take personal responsibility for environmental protection. He cautioned that failure to act responsibly could threaten the planet’s ability to sustain future generations.
Konthoujam also revealed that discussions are underway to introduce environmental awareness as a subject at the primary education level. He said he has urged the concerned authorities to submit a proposal to the government for consideration.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), the minister said the initiative plays a key role in promoting sustainable lifestyles and maintaining ecological balance. He urged citizens to actively participate in programmes undertaken by the Department of Environment & Climate Change and contribute towards environmental conservation.
Principal Secretary of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Arun Kumar Sinha, IAS, expressed concern over mounting environmental challenges arising from climate change, unsustainable resource use and ecosystem degradation. He noted that these challenges are increasingly evident through erratic rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, floods, droughts and biodiversity loss.
Sinha said the state government is addressing these issues through integrated planning and policy interventions under the Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change, focusing on sectors such as water, health, agriculture and forests. He highlighted initiatives including river rejuvenation, wetland conservation, climate-resilient springshed management, solid waste management and afforestation programmes.
Emphasising that environmental protection cannot be achieved by the government alone, he called on educational institutions, researchers, community organisations, the private sector and citizens to adopt sustainable practices and actively support conservation efforts.
Director of Environment & Climate Change, Dr T Brajakumar Singh, also spoke on the occasion, expressing concern over rising global temperatures, sea-level rise and the increasing frequency of heatwaves and extreme weather events. He stressed the urgency of climate action and ecosystem restoration to safeguard future generations.
Singh further stated that the state government has undertaken several initiatives aimed at making Manipur carbon-neutral in the face of escalating climate challenges.
As part of the observance, the department honoured several individuals for their contributions to environmental conservation. Appreciation Awards were presented to Ksh Surjit Singh, Dr Kamei Beeju and Laishram Herojit, also known as Sintha Khuman.
The Green Entrepreneur Award 2026 was conferred on Dr Thangjam Dhabali Singh, while the Climate Communicator Award 2026 was presented to Dr Ksh Chitrabhanu Devi. The Lifetime Achievement Environment Award 2026 was awarded to Dr Khangembam Shamungou for his outstanding contribution to environmental protection, climate action and sustainable development.
Prizes were also distributed to winners of the state-level symposium and essay competition organised in connection with World Environment Day. In a significant step towards strengthening waste management infrastructure in the state, a Plastic Bottle Bank, Baling Machine and Material Recovery Facility were handed over during the programme. Environment awareness stickers promoting the protection of mountains, wetlands and rivers were also released.
The event was attended by MLAs Karam Shyam and Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh, Joint Director of Environment & Climate Change Ph Vivekananda Sharma, departmental officials, students and other dignitaries.
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