Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: In a show of community commitment to climate action, the Raja Dumbra Singh Badminton Association (RDSBA), Imphal East, organized a mass plantation drive at Hills and Harvest, Andro, Imphal East on Sunday as part of its World Environment Day 2026 campaign.
Around 30 members of the association planted approximately 750 saplings of fruit-bearing trees including jackfruit, mango, apple, guava, santara, and mosombi. The initiative was led by RDSBA president Shri Th Sarat Singh, along with senior players Dr. RK Khogendra Singh and Shri N. Jashobanta.
The drive is aligned with World Environment Day 2026, which is being hosted by Baku, Azerbaijan on June 5 under the global theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” The event in Andro aimed to bring that theme to the local level through direct action.
The program began at 7:00 AM with a brief awareness session. Shri N. Jashobanta addressed the gathering on the importance of afforestation, combating air pollution, and preserving local biodiversity.
Speaking at the event, Dr. RK Khogendra Singh emphasized the role of community participation in tackling climate change.
RDSBA president Shri Th Sarat Singh said the drive was organized to promote ecological balance and community well-being.
The choice of fruit-bearing saplings reflects a focus on long-term ecological and economic benefits for the local community. Trees like jackfruit, mango, and guava not only aid carbon sequestration and soil conservation but also provide food security and income opportunities for residents in the coming years.
Hills and Harvest, Andro has been emerging as a hub for eco-tourism and sustainable farming in Imphal East, making it a fitting venue for the drive.
The RDSBA initiative highlights a growing trend of sports organizations in Manipur engaging beyond athletics to address social and environmental issues. With World Environment Day 2026 approaching, the association said it plans to continue such green activities in collaboration with local communities.
Why it matters:
Manipur’s hill regions face increasing pressure from deforestation and soil erosion. Community-led plantation drives like this contribute directly to watershed protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience at the grassroots level.
The association expressed gratitude to all volunteers and called on other youth and sports bodies to join hands in making environmental protection a shared responsibility.
