The 44th World Environment Day was celebrated centrally by the Government of Assam in an elaborate and befitting manner on the campus of Dibrugarh University.
The Day began with a ceremonial plantation of saplings on the campus by the Chief Minister of Assam Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and the Forest Minister Smt Pramila Rani Brahma. Top Officials of the Department of Forest, local District Administration and the University community participated in the programme. Professor Nagen Saikia, former President of Axom Sahitya Sabha in his Key Note Address at the Rangghar appealed for dedicating our life and work towards a pollution free environment. Professor Saikia pointed out at the disconnect between economic activities and environment protection.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in his address as the Chief Guest of the function dwelt at length about the importance of protecting our environment and nature. He drew the attention of the audience to the glorification of the nature since time immemorial by many including Mahapurush Sri Sri Sankardeava, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. The Chief Minister stated that our state Assam is endowed with all the natural resources like flora, fauna, mineral resources and the mighty Brahmaputra and Barak river systems. He emphasized upon sustainable use of these precious resources ensuring environmental protection and nature conservation. He called upon every family of Assam to present sapling as gifts to their sons and daughters on their birthdays and also to promote plantation in an organised manner by the Colleges and Schools of Assam.
Shri Rameswar Teli, Member of Parliament also addressed the gathering. Smt Pramila Rani Brahma, the State Minister of Forest called upon the young generation especially the students of the Schools, Colleges and the Universities to engage passionately in tree plantation and protection of environment.
Shri Manas Pratim Dutta, General Secretary of the Dibrugarh University Post Graduate Students Union welcomed the distinguished guests and the gathering on behalf of the students of Dibrugarh University. He called upon the Government of Assam to facilitate establishment of a Department of Environmental Science in the University. Earlier, Shri K. V. Eapen, IAS, the Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Assam made the Welcome Address.
Before the formal programme the Chief Minister Shri Sonowal inaugurated an exhibition organised by the Dibrugarh University Research Scholar Association and the Key Resource Centre of the Swacchh Bharat Mission.
On June 4, 2017, as a prelude to the World Environment Day, 2017, a stimulating interactive session was organised by Dibrugarh University Research Scholar Association (DURSA), at Indira Miri Conference Hall of the University where Professor Dilip Mazumder, Dean, School of Earth, Atmospheric Science, Environment and Energy made a brief presentation on sustainable use of Natural Resources of the northeast. Professor S.P Biswas, Department of Life Sciences also highlighted upon the fish and other aquatic biodiversity of the State. A large number research and other students and faculty members attended the session.
