[ Prafulla Kaman ]
RUKSIN, Jul 10: East Arunachal MP Ninong Ering has expressed concern over the continued decrease in the state’s forest cover.
Attending the Van Mahotsav programme conducted by the Ruksin range forest office at Ngrolung village near here on Tuesday, Ering expressed disappointment that the forest cover of the state has decreased from 83 percent to 70 percent within the last decade.
“Rapid depletion of the forest cover due to tree felling, soil erosion and unplanned urbanization in the state is indicating an alarming situation for the future generation,” he said.
Ering said the government through Van Mahotsav celebration aims at creating awareness on the need of plantation and forest conservation to check climate change and global warming.
The MP, who is also a member of the Central Standing Committee for Environment & Forests, said the central government has pledged to protect the country’s natural greenery through massive plantation and afforestation activities.
“Large-scale plantation and protection of the remaining forest cover is the need of the hour,” Ering said.
Pasighat DFO (T) Tabang Jamoh said his department has been working to educate the people on the importance of forests and wild beasts as vital factors of the ecosystem. He appealed to senior villagers, leaders and school teachers to encourage youngsters to plant trees and conserve natural resources.
Ruksin RO Yide Potom, eminent horticulturist Ojing Aze, Ngorlung GB Akyut Litin, and headmaster Tapok Ezing also spoke.
The participants planted 100 saplings of various species inside the Ngorlung secondary school premises.
The organizers also conducted a drawing competition on environment and ecosystem. Class 10 student Priscilla Paron won the first prize.
