THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, June 5: World Environment Day 2026 was celebrated with enthusiasm at Dr. Ambedkar Park in Medininagar under the theme “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future.” The event witnessed participation from public representatives, government officials, students and residents.
Finance Minister, MP Attend Environment Day Programme
The programme was graced by Jharkhand Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore as the chief guest and Member of Parliament V.D. Ram as the special guest.
Among those present were Deputy Commissioner, Medininagar Mayor Aruna Shankar, Nilamber-Pitamber University Vice-Chancellor Dinesh Kumar Singh, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sulochana Meena, Additional Collector Kundan Kumar, senior officials, students and members of the public.
Forest Conservation a Shared Responsibility: DFO
Welcoming the gathering, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) said environmental conservation is a shared responsibility and is deeply rooted in the Constitution of India.
He highlighted that environmental protection is reflected in the Constitution through the Fundamental Right to Life under Article 21, the Fundamental Duty of citizens under Article 51A(g) and the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 48A.
Referring to this year’s theme, the DFO stressed the importance of nature-based solutions to climate change, noting that the protection and restoration of forests, rivers, wetlands and biodiversity are among the most sustainable responses to environmental challenges.
He also observed that while the Constitution provides a vision for environmental stewardship, lawmakers play a crucial role in translating that vision into policies and action.
Call for Tree Plantation and Sustainable Development
Addressing the gathering, MP V.D. Ram highlighted the significance of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and appealed to citizens to plant and nurture trees in honour of their mothers while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore emphasised the need for sustainable mining practices and balanced development.
He stressed strict compliance with mine closure norms, ecological restoration of mined-out areas and the adoption of environmentally responsible practices to ensure economic growth remains compatible with environmental protection.
Public Participation Key to Environmental Protection
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts of the Forest Department in protecting forests and wildlife and assured continued administrative support and inter-departmental coordination for conservation initiatives.
Vice-Chancellor Dinesh Kumar Singh, Mayor Aruna Shankar, SDM Sulochana Meena and Additional Collector Kundan Kumar also addressed the gathering and underscored the importance of public participation, environmental awareness and collective action in tackling environmental challenges.
Speakers noted that forests and their ecosystems can thrive only when people living in and around them actively support conservation efforts.
The programme concluded with a cleanliness drive along the banks of the North Koel River, reinforcing the message that conservation of natural resources requires active public participation and sustained efforts from all sections of society.
Officials, public representatives and volunteers participated in the riverbank clean-up exercise, collecting waste and spreading awareness about keeping water bodies free from pollution.
The initiative also highlighted the need to discourage the dumping of garbage into rivers and other natural water sources.
Speaking to The Jharkhand Story Network, DFO Satyam Kumar outlined future conservation plans.
“We will make an outreach to the origin of the rivers and rivulets of Palamu. We want to replenish the origin of the rivers,” he said.
Sources said the Medininagar Forest Division has also been actively responding to incidents involving uprooted or fallen trees during storms and strong winds.
Environmental observers suggested that the division could consider identifying and protecting heritage trees across the region, given the presence of several old trees that are part of Palamu’s natural and historical legacy.
The event was supported by the Medininagar Municipal Corporation and staff of the Medininagar Forest Division, with organisers highlighting the importance of strengthening public engagement in forest and wildlife conservation.