SLNAWM Observed World Environment Day 2026

 

Manipur: Plantation Campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0”

Government of Manipur
Forest Department

 

Forest Hqs., 

Sanjenthong, 

Imphal, Manipur -795001 

Dated: 5^th June, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

Manipur Joins Nation-wide Plantation Campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0”

Inspired by the nation-wide launching of plantation campaign viz. “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, 2026 encouraging every citizen to plant a tree in the name of their mother as a symbol of gratitude and a commitment towards protecting Mother Earth, the plantation campaign was also launched today at Imphal by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) Manipur, Shri Anurag Bajpai at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Complex, Takyelpat, Imphal, which marked the commencement of a statewide plantation and environmental conservation drive. 

The PCCF & HoFF, Manipur while leading the campaign, emphasized that the campaign renews the pledge to protect and conserve the mother nature. He highlighted that every seedling planted under the campaign serves as a living tribute to mothers and contributes to a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come. The initiative aims at conserving greener, healthier and sustainable environment for generations to come. 

He further informed that the Forest Department aims to plant about 85 lakh seedlings during 2026-27, much higher than the targets set by Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India. Last year, the Department has planted around 78 lakh seedlings throughout the State. 

He added that in order to make it a mass movement, the Department has involved schools, orphanages, CSOs, Government Departments, District Administration, People’s Representatives, Panchayats & Village Authorities, ADCs, Security forces, Religious institutions etc. during the current year campaign. Important addition was inclusion of orphanages in the plantation drive across all districts, giving a message of gratitude towards mother nature and further highlighting the great bond between mother nature and its children. 

PCCF & HoFF appealed to the citizens to plant at least one seedling within their home premises or surroundings for the future generations contributing towards building a greener, healthier, and climate-resilient Manipur. He suggested to plant fruit trees as much as possible as it adds to enhancement in livelihood and survival in difficult times. 

The programme was attended by senior officers of the Forest Department, officials and students of the Sports Authority of India, representatives of various Government Departments, educational institutions, local communities, and environmental enthusiasts. As part of event, saplings of indigenous and ecologically significant tree species were planted within the SAI campus, symbolizing the shared commitment towards environmental conservation. 

The event has been organized in all 14 Forest Divisions throughout the State of Manipur by the respective Divisional Forest Officers. The campaign reflects the Forest Department's continued commitment towards sustainable protection, conservation, and environmental stewardship through active public participation. 

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Pherzawl Schools Lead Green Drive on Environment Day

PHERZAWL, June 5, 2026 (DIO): Schools across Pherzawl district observed World Environment Day 2026 with tree plantation and environmental awareness programmes organised by the Pherzawl Forest Division.

The event was held under the theme, “A Step for Both Our Mother and Our Mother Earth,” and coincided with the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0,” which encourages people to plant trees in honour of their mothers while promoting environmental sustainability.

Students, teachers, youth volunteers, and officials of the Forest Division actively participated in tree plantation drives conducted within school campuses. Awareness sessions were also organised to educate participants on the importance of conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Niangthianhoi, IFS, said the initiative was aimed at sensitising young minds to their ecological responsibilities and the urgent need to safeguard the environment. She stressed that engaging students from an early age is essential for fostering sustainable lifestyles and long-term environmental stewardship.

The programmes highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges and encouraged communities to contribute towards building a greener and more sustainable future.

The observance concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to environmental conservation through continued tree planting and responsible use of natural resources.

10,000 Saplings Planted Across Tengnoupal

TENGNOUPAL, June 5, 2026 (DIO): The Tengnoupal Forest Division carried out a mega tree plantation drive across Tengnoupal district on World Environment Day, with a target of planting 10,000 saplings to promote environmental conservation and ecological restoration.

The district-wide campaign brought together government officials, security forces, community leaders, youth groups, students, and local residents in a collective effort to expand green cover and address climate change.

The plantation drive was conducted across several locations in the district, involving participants from 20 villages, including Khudengthabi, Haolenphai, D. Zalenphai, Yangngoubung, Maojang, Khoibu, Saivom, Thamlai Khudei Laipham, Heirok Chingdompok, Tengnoupal Headquarters, Machi, and other surrounding areas. The initiative aimed to combat deforestation, protect vital catchment areas, and encourage climate action in the border district.

The campaign was led by Deputy Conservator of Forests Mrs. Mahamuda Begum, IFS, who coordinated the large-scale operation in collaboration with district authorities, security agencies, and grassroots organisations.

Senior officials actively participated in the programme. Deputy Commissioner Shri Saurabh Yadav, IAS, stressed the importance of sustainable forest management and urged village authorities to ensure the protection and survival of the newly planted saplings. Superintendent of Police Shri Chaitanya, IPS, along with other police officers, led plantation activities in police reserves and public spaces.

Personnel from Assam Rifles and the Border Security Force also joined the campaign, planting saplings in border areas, defence establishments, and along national highways.

The initiative received strong support from Civil Society Organisations, Village Authorities, Biodiversity Management Committees, Joint Forest Management Committees, and Self-Help Groups, which helped prepare plantation sites and mobilise community participation.

Schools across the district, including Yangngoubung Government School, Tengnoupal High School, Enlighten English School and Kindergarten, and Don Bosco School, took part in the programme. Hundreds of students planted saplings within school campuses and nearby community areas, pledging to nurture the trees as they grow.

Speaking after the programme, Mrs. Mahamuda Begum thanked all departments, security forces, community leaders, and residents for their support. She said that while achieving the target of 10,000 saplings was a significant milestone, the true success of the campaign lay in the strong spirit of cooperation and environmental responsibility demonstrated by the people of Tengnoupal.

Tree Plantation Drive Launched in CCpur Schools

Lamka, June 5, 2026 (DIO): Schools across Churachandpur district observed World Environment Day 2026 on Friday through tree plantation activities under the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” and the launch of Green Summer Camps under the Eco Club for Mission LiFE.

The Green Summer Camps will be conducted from June 5 to June 30, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living among students.

As part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” initiative, schools are carrying out tree plantation drives within their campuses and, where space is limited, in suitable community areas. Authorities have been directed to ensure the proper care and protection of the saplings to enhance their survival rate.

Students, teachers, School Management Committees, and members of local communities are also participating in the campaign by taking the Mission LiFE Pledge during morning assemblies.

The Green Summer Camps will focus on seven key themes: healthy lifestyles, sustainable food systems, reduction of e-waste, waste management, energy conservation, water conservation, and the elimination of single-use plastics.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Esther Chingneikim, ZEO and District Project Officer, Samagra Shiksha Churachandpur, expressed gratitude to all departments and community leaders for their support. She noted that achieving the target of planting more than 23,000 saplings is a significant milestone, but added that the true success lies in the strong spirit of community participation and coordination demonstrated across the district.

She further stressed the importance of proper documentation of all activities, including plantation drives, Green Summer Camps, and Mission LiFE programmes, through geo-tagged photographs to be uploaded to the Eco Club portal.

World Environment Day Marked in Kamjong

KAMJONG, June 5, 2026: World Environment Day was observed at Kamjong Sub-Division on Friday with a tree plantation drive aimed at promoting environmental conservation and climate awareness.

The programme was organised under the global theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”

Divisional Forest Officer of Kamjong Forest Division, Shri Napolean Rongmei, IFS, led the plantation drive along with officials of the Kamjong District Administration. Additional Deputy Commissioner Shri H.L. Jain, MCS, also participated in planting saplings during the event.

The initiative highlighted the importance of protecting the environment and encouraging collective action towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Officials emphasised the need for continued efforts in afforestation and environmental conservation to address climate change and preserve natural resources for future generations.

Three DEAD, including PREGNANT Woman, in LOIBOL Raid

Kangpokpi, 5 June 2026 — A brutal early-morning assault on the quiet Kuki village of Loibol Khullen in Kangpokpi District has left three innocent civilians dead, seven residential houses reduced to ashes, and several families completely devastated. The unprovoked attack, which occurred at approximately 4:00 AM today, was carried out by heavily armed militants allegedly belonging to the NSCN-IM and its proxy ZUF-K, alongside various Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs).

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the region due to the sheer cruelty inflicted upon a single family. The deceased have been identified as Letkhongam Haokip, his 30-year-old wife Mrs. Tinmary Haokip, and Mr. Jangminlal Haokip. In a deeply heartbreaking disclosure, it was revealed that Mrs. Tinmary Haokip was seven months pregnant with her unborn child when she was mercilessly gunned down alongside her husband and relative.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage and unanimous condemnation from apex tribal bodies across Manipur. In separate statements, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), Kuki Students Organisation Sadar Hills, and the Hill Tribal Council (HTC) Moreh has denounced the raid as a "barbaric act of violence" and a violation of fundamental human rights. COTU further termed the assault a premeditated and well-orchestrated strategy designed to reignite the bitter Kuki-Naga ethnic conflicts of the 1990s.

Public fury is also mounting against the state government and local law enforcement apparatus for their glaring failure to protect civilians. 

Kuki leaders are openly questioning how such a heavily coordinated insurgent raid could take place despite the recent deployment of additional central security forces, including the elite Cobra commando battalion, to the area. 

Describing the administrative response as a form of "conspicuous inaction," the HTC Moreh and allied organisations have demanded an immediate, impartial judicial enquiry, the swift arrest of the perpetrators within 24 hours, and urgent state intervention to safeguard all vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages from future bloodshed.

~ KV NEWS

Remembering Major David Manlun

WHEN we look at photographs of young military officers, we often see the sharp uniforms, the steady posture, and the determined eyes. Yet, behind every uniform is a human story deeply intertwined with family, dreams, and an unyielding sense of duty. Major David Manlun was the epitome of such a story. Born in Imphal, Manipur, and hailing from the Churachandpur district, David grew up in a household where serving the nation was a proud family tradition. His father was a retired Subedar from the Assam Regiment, his elder brother served in the same regiment, and his sister was married to an army colonel. Growing up in this “Fauji Parivar”, David developed a profound respect for discipline and honour. An active sportsman fluent in multiple regional languages, he chose the path of service after graduating from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, eventually joining the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, in 2009.

David was commissioned into the 1st Battalion of the Naga Regiment and later assigned to the 164 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army). His life was not just about tactical operations; it was about connecting with people. He used his deep understanding of local dialects to build trust with civilian populations in Nagaland, even organising football tournaments to engage local youth and steer them away from insurgent influences. He was a vibrant, unmarried young man with his whole life ahead of him. In fact, his remarkable dedication had earned him a selection for deputation to the elite National Security Guard (NSG), with his probation scheduled to begin in late June 2017. Tragically, destiny had a different, immortal path waiting for him just weeks before that deployment.

On the fateful night of 6 June 2017, acting on precise intelligence he had developed himself, Major David led a joint counter-insurgency operation in the remote, challenging terrain of the Lappa area in Nagaland, close to the Myanmar border. As his column advanced, heavily armed militants launched a fierce ambush, lobbing grenades and opening intense fire. David and three of his men were wounded almost immediately. In that chaotic, terrifying moment, true leadership shone through. Disregarding his own severe injuries, David moved forward under heavy fire, engaging the militants at close range to shield his troops. He made the supreme sacrifice at just 31 years old, successfully eliminating the hardcore militants and saving his men.

For his conspicuous bravery, Major David Manlun was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry decoration. His legacy is an enduring reminder that peace is often bought at the highest human cost. True heroes are not defined merely by the battles they win, but by the love they bear for their people and the ultimate sacrifices they make to protect them. As we reflect on his life, let us remember that the freedom we enjoy daily rests firmly on the broad shoulders of bravehearts like David, whose memory will forever remain etched in the heart of a grateful nation.

~ Zogam Today | Editorial | 05.06.2026