July 16, 2026 (Kakching): A tree plantation campaign aimed at conserving the Sekmai (Sengmai) River, the lifeline of Kakching and several neighbouring villages, was launched on Wednesday by planting saplings across the river’s catchment areas.
The initiative has been undertaken in response to the growing impact of climate change witnessed in Manipur over the past few years, including prolonged dry spells, erratic rainfall, declining river flow during the dry season, and sudden flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. These changing climatic conditions have adversely affected the health of the Sekmai (Sengmai) River, prompting collective efforts to restore and protect the river ecosystem.
The campaign, named “Chinggi Etao” (Friends of Hills), is a joint initiative of Agenda Kakching, a WhatsApp group formed by like-minded citizens, the Joint Non-Government Voluntary Organisation (JNGVO), and the Kakching Municipal Council (KMC).
As part of the programme, fruit-bearing and other tree saplings were distributed free of cost to residents of villages located in the catchment areas of the Sekmai (Sengmai) River, as well as to the people of Old Wangpural and New Wangpural, the source region of the Maha River, which flows into the Sekmai (Sengmai) River. The Kakching Municipal Council also distributed organic manure produced from biodegradable waste collected by the municipality, along with protective tree guards to ensure the healthy growth of the saplings.
Speaking at the programme, Kakching Municipal Council Caretaker Chairperson Naorem Sanjit Kumar said that climate change is posing serious challenges across the world and that the present generation has a responsibility to leave behind a healthy environment for future generations. He appealed to the public to nurture the saplings distributed under the campaign so that the objective of conserving the river ecosystem can be achieved successfully.
Delivering the keynote address, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Chandel, Dr. Naorem Munal Meitei, said that if local communities collectively protect and preserve the surrounding hills, the areas will naturally regenerate into forests over time. He explained that there are established legal criteria and provisions under the Forest Act for declaring reserve forests and stressed that such status cannot be granted overnight. He added that while the government is making efforts, the cooperation and active participation of the public are equally essential for successful environmental conservation. He urged the people to ensure the survival and proper care of every sapling planted.
Former Chief Conservator of Forests, Th. Mahendra Pratap, who also attended the programme, observed that rapid human civilisation and development have gradually distanced society from nature. He said the world is now witnessing the consequences of environmental degradation and stressed the need to restore harmony between humans and nature through sustained conservation efforts. He called upon everyone to actively participate in protecting the environment and to remain aware of the growing threats posed by climate change.
The programme was attended by Kakching Municipal Council Caretaker Chairperson Naorem Sanjit Kumar, Caretaker Councillors Ksh. Jhaljit and Km. P. Sanahal Devi, DFO Chandel Dr. Naorem Munal Meitei, former Chief Conservator of Forests Th. Mahendra Pratap, Agenda Kakching administrators and members, JNGVO President Ksh. Chhatradhari, General Secretary Nongmaithem Bheigychandra, and several other members and volunteers.
