ITANAGAR, Jun 5: Arunachal Pradesh on Friday joined the global observance of World Environment Day 2026 with large-scale plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, awareness programmes, marathons and community-led conservation initiatives across the State, reaffirming a collective commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Leading the celebrations, State Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik planted a Maha Neem sapling at the Lok Bhavan premises. Emphasizing that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility, the Governor called upon citizens to actively contribute towards increasing the State’s green cover. He advocated extensive plantation drives, particularly in urban areas, and suggested that at least ten saplings should be planted and nurtured for every tree felled.
The Governor urged people to make tree plantation a way of life rather than limiting it to special occasions such as World Environment Day or Van Mahotsav. He also called for integrating plantation activities with cleanliness drives and environmental awareness campaigns while adopting sustainable lifestyles to preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
Describing Arunachal Pradesh as one of India’s richest repositories of biodiversity and natural beauty, the Governor appealed to the people to preserve and strengthen this invaluable heritage. He said that the responsibility of protecting the environment rests with every generation and that today’s efforts will determine the quality of life enjoyed by future generations.
In Tawang, the Indian Army’s Tawang Brigade under the Gajraj Corps spearheaded a massive plantation drive across Chuje and other parts of the township. The programme, led by Major General Amit Nautiyal, GOC, 5 Mountain Division, witnessed participation from military personnel, civil administration officials, religious leaders, students, NCC cadets, NGOs, hoteliers, taxi unions and local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Nautiyal described environmental protection as a national mission and emphasized collective action under the theme “Sanjhedari Se Sanrakshan” (Conservation Through Partnership).
In Lower Subansiri district, more than 5,000 saplings were planted across five forest ranges. The central event, held at the District Dairy Farm in Siiro, was organized by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development.
Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme commended the Forest Department, local communities and stakeholders for their enthusiastic participation in expanding the valley’s green cover.
Similar programmes were held in Shi-Yomi district, where the district administration and Panchayati Raj Department organized a plantation drive at the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises in Tato.
Officers, staff members and public representatives participated in the event and reiterated their commitment to environmental stewardship.
At Sille village in East Siang district, World Environment Day was observed jointly by the College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Pasighat, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Siang, and local stakeholders. The programme, attended by MLA Ninong Ering and other community leaders, combined environmental awareness activities with the ongoing “Khet Bachao Abhiyaan,” highlighting the importance of soil conservation, sustainable agriculture and ecological balance.
In Papum Pare district, celebrations at Gumto featured a 5-km marathon organized by the Circle Office to promote environmental awareness, civic responsibility and fitness. MLA Nabam Vivek and Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering encouraged citizens to adopt environmentally responsible practices and strengthen community participation in conservation efforts.
The programme concluded with a plantation drive. Similar activities were held at Tarasso, where a large-scale plantation drive and awareness programme promoted sustainable agriculture and organic farming.
West Siang district witnessed multiple conservation initiatives. At Nikte-Kodum, the North East Foundation for Health, Education and Livelihood Skills (NEHEALS), in collaboration with the district administration and local organizations, conducted a river-cleaning campaign along the Hu River and a plantation drive. Around 72 volunteers removed approximately 200 kgs of waste from a 4-km stretch of the river and planted saplings along the riverbanks.
Another plantation drive was organized at the proposed Orchid Sanctuary-cum-Botanical Garden at Darak by the Darak Tourism and Social Welfare Foundation in collaboration with the Along Forest Division. Participants planted 55 saplings, including Gulmohar, Bakul, Ajar and Jackfruit species, to enhance biodiversity and support future eco-tourism initiatives.
In Dibang Valley district, the Anini Forest Division observed the WED with a plantation drive and awareness programme under the theme “Inspired by Nature: For Climate. For Our Future.” MLA Mopi Mihu, Deputy Commissioner Bekir Nyorak and other officials highlighted the importance of sustainable development and public participation in environmental conservation.
Educational institutions also played an active role. Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar, celebrated the occasion through awareness campaigns, public interactions and a plantation drive. Faculty members, students, NCC cadets and Eco Club volunteers planted and adopted 60 saplings on the college campus, reaffirming their commitment to environmental conservation.
Across the State, the observance of World Environment Day reflected a growing public commitment towards preserving Arunachal Pradesh’s rich ecological heritage through collective action, sustainable practices and community participation.
PASIGHAT: On the occasion of World Environment Day, a district-level meeting on ‘implementation of Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 and directions issued by the Supreme Court’ was held at the DC’s conference hall here, with East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani chairing the meet.
Attended by public representatives, officials of line departments, members of Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC), and other stakeholders, the meeting focused on achieving effective waste segregation, scientific waste management, public participation, institutional accountability, and compliance with the new SWM Rules.
During the meeting, it was informed that the Pasighat Solid Waste Management Plant, established by the PMC in collaboration with Pasighat Smart City Development Corporation Limited (PSCDCL) and launched in 2025, has a processing capacity of 32 metric tonnes per day, while the town currently generates around 14 metric tonnes of waste daily. Around 10–12 waste collection vehicles are deployed every day for waste collection and transportation across Pasighat.
The DC emphasized the need of achieving cent percent scientific waste management in the district, and highlighted the importance of source segregation, community participation, and behavioural change among citizens.
Referring to the successful Mirsam SHG waste management model, she noted how the community effectively segregates waste and collects user charges, making it a ‘model worth replicating’ elsewhere. She also stressed the need for providing adequately sized dustbins to villages and enforcing penalties against littering and non-compliance to bring about lasting behavioural change.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Mebo Oken Tayeng welcomed the Supreme Court’s directions and the SWM Rules, 2026. He stated that the district should embrace the new regulations positively and work towards effectively implementing them. He observed that in the Adi community, a significant portion of wet waste is traditionally utilized as pig feed, reducing the burden on waste management systems, while greater attention needs to be given to managing non-biodegradable and solid waste.
MLA Pasighat East Tapi Darang emphasized the need for stricter control over plastic waste and littering. Citing examples from hill states such as Sikkim, he suggested adopting measures that make tourists responsible for the waste they generate. He expressed concern over littering along riverbanks and picnic spots, particularly during the summer season, where discarded bottles, plastic waste and other garbage adversely affect the environment. He called for stronger monitoring and enforcement measures to address the issue.
The meeting reviewed key provisions of the SWM Rules, 2026, including mandatory four-stream waste segregation of wet, dry, sanitary and special-care waste, responsibilities of Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs), public awareness initiatives, infrastructure development, and enforcement mechanisms. It was informed that BWGs must ensure segregation at source, establish waste-processing facilities or obtain Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility certificates where applicable, and register on the centralised online portal for real-time reporting and accountability.
The meeting also discussed the governance framework envisaged under the SWM Rules, 2026. It was informed that monitoring committees will function at the State, District and Block/Gram Panchayat levels to oversee implementation and compliance. The District Administration will conduct periodic reviews of local body performance, ensure accountability among stakeholders, and promote convergence between rural and urban areas for effective waste processing and management. The governance mechanism aims to strengthen coordination, monitoring and transparency in solid waste management across the district.
LIKABALI/NARI: World Environment Day 2026 was observed with great enthusiasm across Lower Siang district through a series of plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, and environmental awareness activities organized by various departments, organizations, and community groups.
At Likabali, Team Likabali Forest Division organized a large-scale plantation drive at Gogar, where around 400–500 teak saplings were planted. The programme witnessed active participation from members of the public, including the District BJP president and team, representatives of the Lower Siang District Students’ Union, Panchayat members, and residents from nearby villages. The initiative highlighted the importance of afforestation and community participation in environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, the Nari Sub-Divisional Administration marked the occasion through a series of environmental activities across the subdivision. Social service and cleanliness drives were conducted in township areas, villages, and market areas with the involvement of government departments, Village Welfare Societies, and local residents.
A major highlight of the celebration at Nari was the Dobu River Cleaning Drive, which saw the participation of over 100 volunteers. The drive was conducted in collaboration with the North East Foundation for Health, Education & Livelihood Skills (NE-HEALS), supported by the Bogum Ao Foundation and Nari Village Welfare Society, in coordination with the Forest Department. Approximately 70 kilograms of waste were collected from the riverside during the campaign.
As part of the nationwide campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, a plantation drive was carried out along the Namey–Nari stretch, where around 120 saplings were planted with active participation from youth leaders and community members in coordination with the Forest Dept.
Another plantation programme was organized at Koyu (AC headquarters) in collaboration with NE-HEALS, during which around 100 saplings were planted in presence of Dr Marngam Kakki, Assistant Commissioner Koyu, Nyachi Koyu, ZPM Koyu, and other dignitaries.
The celebrations across Lower Siang District witnessed enthusiastic participation from government officials, PRI members, Gaon Buras, youth leaders, Village Welfare Societies, students, and local residents. (DIPRO)