3rd Barak Festival kicks off

Senapati, Dec 13 (DIO)
The 3rd State Level Barak Festival 2022 was opened today at Sanyi Dahrii Sports Complex, Khabung Karong under the motto “Save Mother Earth”.
The festival is being celebrated under the theme “Celebrating Endowment”.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Power Th Biswajit stated that Barak River must be well preserved and maintained for it sustains not only human beings but also a plethora of flora and fauna.
He said that eco-tourism can be an effective medium for highlighting the significance of Barak River.
To improve the environmental condition of the State, the Government has been implementing various programmes like tree plantation, river cleaning in Imphal area and other places, Biswajit said.
He also said that the Environment Department has been taking various steps to identify and preserve water catchment areas in the State.
Highlighting the importance of forest for human survival, he said that forest purifies atmosphere, provide water through rain, reduce noise pollution and protect living beings from harmful UV rays.
He also informed the public that the State Government has recently passed an order whereby single-use plastics have been banned in the State.
In the presidential speech, PWD Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that human civilization start with rivers.
It is the responsibility of everyone to take proper care of all rivers, he added.  He also assured to complete the incomplete stadium of the venue at the earliest.
Traditional fire making competition and dances by different cultural troupes were the main highlights of today’s programme.  Various stalls including those of Government departments are opened at the festival. Later, Senapati SP Karthik Malladi flagged off a traditional car race which started from Mt Zion College and ended at Sanyi Dahrii Memorial Sports Complex.  There shall also be Barak Rock Concert in the evening.
The programme was also attended by W Ibohal Singh, Director, Tourism, DLOs, various tribal leaders, CSOs and  village chiefs.