A plantation programme was organised at Asnagre in South West Garo Hills on Friday as part of the observance of World Environment Day 2026 under the MegARISE Project – Protection of Vulnerable Catchment Areas in Meghalaya, supported by KfW Development Bank.
The programme brought together government officials, community members, village representatives and project stakeholders to promote environmental conservation, enhance green cover and raise awareness on the importance of protecting vulnerable catchment areas for sustainable water resource management and ecological balance.
Addressing the gathering, South West Garo Hills
Deputy Commissioner, Kumari Anendya Raajshree, IAS, highlighted the significance of World Environment Day as a global platform for collective action towards environmental protection.
She stressed that afforestation and ecosystem restoration play a crucial role in safeguarding natural resources and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for future generations.
The Deputy Commissioner urged citizens to make environmental conservation a year round commitment rather than limiting observance to a single day.
As part of the programme, she planted a cocoa sapling, symbolising the district’s commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable development.
Participants also planted a variety of indigenous and environmentally suitable tree species, contributing to ongoing efforts under the MegARISE Project to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen catchment protection measures across Meghalaya.