SHILLONG: In a powerful demonstration of community solidarity and ecological consciousness, the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) Khliehriat Circle, in collaboration with Dkhiah East Secondary School, solemnly observed “World Environment Day 2026” on Friday, at the school premises in Dkhiah East, East Jaiñtia Hills District.
The initiative, anchored by the global theme “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Our Future” and the school’s sub-theme “Revive, Rebuild Through Action,” brought together students, educators, community leaders, and organizational representatives in a unified call to protect and restore the natural heritage of the Jaiñtia Hills.
The program was chaired by the Headmaster, Dr. B. Nongtdu, who warmly welcomed all guests and participants, setting a tone of collective responsibility and forward-looking action. Distinguished attendees included School Managing Committee (SMC) members, teachers, and the Headman of Dkhiah East, Shri P. Nongtdu.
Representing the Jaiñtia National Council Khliehriat Circle were its President, Shri Shanborlang Bamon; Working President, Shri Diamon Bareh; and General Secretary, Shri Symboh Baiar Sumer, accompanied by fellow JNC KC members. The program was honored by the presence of the Special Guest, Shri Wanshwa Suting, General Secretary of the JNC Central Executive Committee, whose address lent the occasion significant organizational weight and gravitas.
True to the spirit of this year’s theme, the program was not merely symbolic — it was deeply action-oriented. Activities included a drawing competition for students of Dkhiah East Secondary School, inviting young voices to express their environmental concerns through art followed by a prize distribution ceremony honoring first, second, and third place winners of the competition and a sapling plantation drive within the school premises, embedding the promise of a greener tomorrow into the very soil of the community
In a stirring address, SMC member Shri Rafael Labon drew a direct and sobering connection between industrialization and the environmental degradation witnessed across East Jaiñtia Hills. “Since the industrial revolution took place in East Jaiñtia, many trees and hills have been cut down,” he said. “The heat generated by these industries is a primary driver of today’s climate change, and it is our students who bear the impact.”
The most pointed remarks of the afternoon came from Special Guest Shri Wanshwa Suting, whose address resonated deeply with the gathered audience. Reflecting on the region’s environmental transformation, he stated, “Before, our environment was green and healthy, the water, the lakes, the ponds, the air quality, all clean, good, and wholesome. The question we must ask today is: who damaged it? It was not us. It was the outsiders who came in the name of companies and industries. And rather than finding ways to restore our environment, support agriculture, and nurture greenery for the benefit of this generation and future ones, it is the very government that welcomed these companies and industries to come and destroy our beautiful environment.”
His words, met with strong affirmation from the audience, underscored the JNC’s longstanding advocacy against unchecked industrial expansion in the ecologically sensitive Jaiñtia Hills region.
The program concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by JNC Khliehriat Circle Working President, Shri Diamon Bareh, who expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to environmental protection and community-driven action.