Imphal, 16 September 2017 ( Evening News ) : Forest minister and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar today urged the people to protect the environment and plant trees on World Ozone day.  The minister  asserted that the deteriorating environment can only protected when one owns up responsibilities to protect the nature. He was speaking at the observance of World Ozone Day organised by Directorate of Environment under the aegis of Department of Forest and Environment at GP Women’s College. Shyamkumar  maintained that although maximum number of students choose to study science, the uses of science are rarely translated into action. While appealing to people to plant trees and protect them, Shyamkumar said trees absorb the harmful Carbon dioxide gas and produce the useful oxygen. He said trees provide shade and innumerable benefits to the people. The Dept is also doing its best by distributing free saplings to people. Professor, N. Rajmuhon of Manipur university who spoke as resource person spoke on the significance of observance of World Ozone Day, depletion of Ozone layer, its affects on human beings, precautions, etc. World Ozone day is held on September 16 to mark the day back in 1987 when the Montreal Protocol was signed. As a result, a number of special events such as talks and seminars are held in the Canadian city of Montreal on this day. World Ozone Day has been celebrated since 1994 and was established by the United Nations General Assembly. The day is mainly intended to spread awareness of the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search for solutions to preserve it. World Ozone Day is also celebrated all around the world. Educators usually set aside this day to teach their students about the Ozone layer and many schools organize special events and activities to raise awareness.

Imphal, 15 September 2017 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren today launched cleanliness campaign, Swachhta Hi Seva, the nationwide fortnight-long sanitation campaign from Sept 15 to October 2 in connection with Gandhi Jayenti. Responding to media query during the launch regarding the ban imposed by KSA on non-locals in localities in connection with the upcoming general Panchayat elections from the 22nd of this month, the Chief Minister said he has directed the DCs in every district to look into the matter and the govt is closely examining the matter. Nongthombam Biren also administered clean India pledge to those present at the launch held at Koirengei. The event was organised by the Forest Department. PHED minister, Loshi Dikho, Additional Chief Secretary, P. Shambhu, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, K. Avi Angami and officers of forest department and several students attended the launch.

PHED Minister L. Dikho along with the officials of the department also launched “Swachhta Hi Seva” at the department today. The Minister also flagged off a rally from the dept to create awareness about the fortnight-long campaign. The rally covered till the Eastern gate of Kangla. L. Dikho also administered clean India pledge to those present to keep cities, and villages clean.

MAHUD and Imphal Municipal Council also jointly cleaned areas in and around Lamphel Super Market as part of “Swachhta Hi Seva”campaign. Volunteers of IMC led by IMC Mayor, L. Lokeshore cleaned the area. Lokeshore appealed for people’s co-operation to keep the area neat and clean.

Imphal, 12 September 2017 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren has stressed the need of joint efforts by people and the Govt to take the state forward. He was speaking at the reception organised for the chief minister and his council of ministers by the Autonomous District Council at Lamka ground in Churachandpur District. The chief minister stated that Bihang in Churachandpur District will be the 2nd gateway under Act East Policy. Biren said a Rs 30 crore detailed project report has been prepared for construction of the road for the gateway. He reiterated that peace has returned the state, and the people and Govt need to work collectively to take the state forward. Chairman of Autonomous District Council, Khaipao Haokip also submitted a memorandum to the chief minister at the event demanding setting up of B Ed College, Medical college and provision for clean and safe water in the district. People also presented traditional shawls to the chief minister. Dance and music presented by various communities were the highlights of the event. Agriculture Minister, V. Hangkhalian drew the attention of the chief minister to repair the roads and provide healthcare facilities to the people. He also expressed the desire to set up a University and a Medical College in the district as well. Ministers, MLAs, top civil and police officials were also felicitated at the event. Students and representatives of civil society organisations participated in the even.

Imphal, 11 September 2017 ( Evening News ) : A person has been beaten to death on charges of theft. The incident occurred post midnight of 9th of this month at Malom Tulihal Makha Leikai. The deceased has been identified as a 23 year old Shadokpam Romesh son of Tomba from Chandrakhong Mamang Leikai under Yairipok Police Station. He works at a vehicle workshop owned by one Maipak from Malom Tulihal Makha Leikai. Member of the JAC against the killing, Sinam Phulen claimed that Romesh had returned that day after repairing a vehicle at Shija Hospital. He was resting near the gate after dinner. Unknown miscreants physically assaulted Romesh at the gate. Employees at the workshop informed the police and Romesh was admitted to RIMS hospital. He was then shifted to Raj Medicity for further treatment and passed away this morning. On the other hand, the JAC members went to submit a memorandum to the chief minister and local MLA, education minister Thokchom Radheshyam, but they were prevented from going further at Moirangkhom by a team of police. After reaching an understanding with the police later, they were allowed to submit the memorandum.

Imphal, 08 September 2017 ( Evening News ) : Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren today emphasised the need to save the nature and environment and called for people's active participation in all efforts to protect the naturent. He compared the north east India with the Amazon forest. Speaking as chief guest at the Convention on Climate Change organised by Centre for Social Development at 1st Manipur Rifles Banquet Hall today, the chief minister said both the developed and developing countries suffer from climate change. He also mentioned the irreparable damage humans cause to the environment while extracting forest wealth. BJP spokesperson, Professor R.K. Ranjan and PHED Minister, Losii Dikho were among those present at the event. Representatives of 8 north eastern states took part in the Convention. Dr T. Brajakumar from the Environment and Ecology wing, spoke on  Opportunity and Challenges on Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change, 2013 at the convention.