Saindur Enviro, Shillong, collaborated with the Departments of Botany and Environmental
Science at Sankardev College, the State Council of Science, Technology, and Environment (SCSTE), Government of Meghalaya, and the Outreach and Social Extension Committee ofSankardev College, observed the International Day for Forests at Nongumlong SecondarySchool, Upper Shillong on 21st March 2025. The event was held under the theme “Forest forFuture: Connecting Forest and Food for Sustainability.”
The program was structured into two sessions and was attended by 190 plus participants, including school and college students, community members, and experts.
The event commenced with an opening statement by the chairperson, Ms. Rose M. Lyngdoh, Head of the Department of Environmental Science, Sankardev College, followed by a welcome
address from Smt. M. Umdor, Head of the Department of Botany, Sankardev College.
During the first session, the Chief Guest, Prof. Dibyendu Paul, Former Professor and Head of the
Department of Environmental Studies at North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, delivered an
insightful address on the significance of wild edible plants and the need to preserve forests by
preventing deforestation and forest fires. He emphasized the importance of maintaining annual
records of plantation drives conducted during such events.
The session also featured two keynote speakers: Ms. E. Iangap, Range Forest Sub-division Officer, EKH Division, Shillong, and Mr. Vivek Kumar, Researcher and Director of Saindur
Enviro Pvt. Ltd., Shillong.
Ms. Iangap spoke on “Current Forest Condition & Conservation,” analyzing threats to forests
and aligning her discussion with this year’s theme, “Forests and Food.” She highlighted the role
of forests in sustaining livelihoods and providing oxygen to all living beings. She also discussed
the impact of urbanization and pollution, citing examples such as oxygen bars in New Delhi,
where people pay to inhale clean oxygen. Additionally, she referenced community-led
conservation movements like the Chipko Movement, underscoring the power of grassroots
efforts in protecting forests.
Mr. Vivek Kumar delivered a talk on “The Importance of Forests” and their crucial role in
sustaining life, regulating climate, and preserving biodiversity. Using a vivid analogy, he
described forests as the lungs of the Earth, absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and releasing oxygen (O₂) to maintain air quality. He cited data from the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), noting that India’s forest cover increased from 24.39% in 2017 to 25.17% in 2023 due to collaborative efforts between the government and communities. However, he also pointed out a decline in forest cover in Meghalaya, with a reduction of 27.21 sq km since 2017-2018. He concluded his talk with a call to action, emphasizing that forests are not just collections of trees but vital ecosystems that support life, regulate the climate, and safeguard biodiversity. He urged all participants to commit to forest conservation for a sustainable future.
The first session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. R. Kharbamon, Assistant Coordinator, IQAC, Sankardev College. She expressed gratitude to SCSTE and Saindur Enviro
for sponsoring the program, the Dorbar Shnong of Nongumlong Village, and the administration
of Nongumlong Secondary School for their excellent arrangements, as well as all participants for their involvement.
The second session featured a plantation drive, during which 150 fruit tree saplings were planted
in the village by the participants. This was followed by hands-on training in forest health
assessment using the quadrat method. The activity enabled participants to contribute to a preliminary biodiversity and forest health survey for the village, fostering greater awareness and
engagement in conservation efforts.