Dadenggre, June 5: Joining the rest of the state in observing World Environment Day 2026, the Garo Hills region marked the occasion with a district-level programme at the Multi Facility Centre in Dadenggre Sub-Division on Thursday. The event was organized by the Social Forestry Division, West Garo Hills, in collaboration with the Social Forestry Ranges of Dadenggre and Betasing, and was held in Dadenggre for the first time.
The Social Forestry Division, whose jurisdiction covers West Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills and Dadenggre Sub-Division, has been organizing the annual observance across the region. This year’s programme was held under the theme, “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future.”
Speaking as the chief guest, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife, Territorial and Social Forestry), Garo Hills Region, Maureen J.A. Sangma, emphasized the collective responsibility of citizens to preserve and protect the environment for future generations.
She urged people to adopt environmentally friendly practices such as carrying reusable water bottles, using cloth bags while shopping, reducing plastic consumption, conserving energy through renewable sources, practising waste segregation, and planting and nurturing saplings until they mature into trees.
“Though these may appear to be small actions, their cumulative impact can significantly contribute to environmental conservation and help combat climate change,” she said.
Assistant Commissioner of Dadenggre Civil Sub-Division, Solomon J. Syiem, highlighted the need to preserve the environment and create greater public awareness about the significance of World Environment Day.
Sharing his experiences in Dadenggre, Syiem said he often enjoys walking or cycling in the evenings and has discovered several scenic spots suitable for family outings. However, he expressed concern over the littering of plastic packets and bottles in such areas.
He stressed that maintaining a clean environment cannot be achieved by government departments alone and called for collective community participation to keep the region clean and green.
Delivering the keynote address, Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry Division, West Garo Hills, A. Ch. Sangma, elaborated on the significance of World Environment Day and this year’s theme.
He underscored the importance of conserving nature and maintaining a healthy environment, noting that the effects of climate change are already being witnessed locally. Referring to the growing problem of plastic pollution, he pointed out that plastic waste has been found even at Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench, the highest and deepest points on Earth respectively.
“We are an integral part of the environment. If we continue to destroy nature and wildlife indiscriminately, humanity itself will face serious consequences,” he said, adding that increasing green cover and conserving natural resources are essential for sustainable livelihoods in the region.
In the run-up to World Environment Day, several activities, including competitions, cleanliness drives and tree plantation programmes, were conducted in schools and communities across Dadenggre Sub-Division. Certificates and prizes were distributed to winners of the various competitions by the chief guest and other dignitaries during the programme.
Officials from various departments, Village Executive Committee (VEC) members, teachers, students and local residents attended the event.
A ceremonial plantation drive was also conducted at the new C&RD Block office in Dadenggre, where the chief guest and other dignitaries planted saplings.
Earlier in the programme, the World Environment Day pledge was administered by Sanchi T.M. Sangma, Range Forest Officer, Betasing, South West Garo Hills District, while the invocation prayer was led by Pastor Habel A. Sangma of Baljek Songgitcham Baptist Church.
