Shillong: Communities and institutions across Meghalaya marked World Environment Day with a series of tree planting drives and awareness programs. These efforts highlighted a collective shift toward restoring local ecosystems and encouraging sustainable environmental management.
In a major effort to rejuvenate the sacred Lum Wyrtoh hill, the seven clans of Raid Nongpoh joined forces with local organizations to plant thousands of saplings. The initiative aims to recover greenery lost to years of deforestation. Longman Mansan of Raid Nongpoh, Replin Lapang, explained the significance of the project, stating, "The large-scale plantation drive was undertaken to restore the greenery of Lum Wyrtoh, which has gradually suffered due to indiscriminate felling of trees over the years."
Caretaker John Rymbai confirmed that the Raid, in partnership with the Soil and Water Conservation department, secured over 20,000 saplings for the site. He plans to continue planting medicinal and fruit-bearing species throughout the coming month, with a long-term goal of restoring the hill as a thriving habitat for wildlife and a destination for bird-watchers. Rymbai also called on visitors to help protect the site by disposing of waste properly and respecting its traditional sanctity.
Educational institutions also participated in the movement. The Forests and Environment department partnered with IIM Shillong to host a climate awareness event for 250 students from various local schools. Participants engaged in native species planting and discussions on conservation strategies. Prof. Naliniprava Tripathy, Director in charge of IIM Shillong, encouraged students to treat tree planting as a personal duty to ensure a sustainable future.
Similar initiatives took place at Cantonment Board School and William Carey University. Both locations focused on educating the next generation on sustainable daily practices, with students making formal pledges to act as ambassadors for environmental protection.
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