A concerted push toward ecological conservation and eco-friendly daily practices commenced at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal with the launch of the BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week 2026. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh officially inaugurated the weeklong initiative on Sunday, calling on the public to embrace sustainable habits and unite in safeguarding the state's natural landscape. Spearheaded by the Government of Manipur, the campaign runs from November 1 to 7 with an emphasis on fostering environmental consciousness, physical wellness, and sustainable community living.
Mass Plantation Drive and 200-Rider Cyclothon Set Event in Motion
The inaugural day began with a ceremonial tree plantation drive across the sports complex, where the Chief Minister joined other attending dignitaries in planting saplings. Following the plantation, attention turned to sustainable mobility as a cyclothon featuring approximately 200 participants was officially flagged off. The ride was designed to spotlight physical fitness while underscoring the role of non-polluting transit in everyday routines.
The cycling contingent navigated an extensive urban route, traversing Khuyathong Road, Babupara, Imphal West, and Imphal East before looping back to conclude at the sports complex starting line. The visible procession through major corridors helped amplify the campaign's message of low-impact, active transportation across the state capital.
Preserving Natural Assets and Expanding Mission LiFE
In his address to the gathering, Yumnam Khemchand Singh drew focus to Manipur's rich biodiversity, expansive green cover, rivers, and wetland ecosystems, characterizing them as invaluable environmental assets that must be conserved for upcoming generations. He stressed that ecological preservation cannot rest solely on administrative policies; rather, it demands active civic participation as a shared responsibility across all communities.
Urging younger generations to take leadership in local conservation, the Chief Minister recommended direct and actionable household measures. These include conserving electricity and water supplies, curbing daily waste output, strictly avoiding single-use plastics, and maintaining clean public surroundings. He further called on government directorates, academic institutions, civic bodies, and grassroots organisations to join the weeklong drive actively and propagate the core tenets of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
Fostering Shared Responsibility for a Greener Manipur
The Chief Minister underlined that meaningful environmental progress stems from small, consistent choices made by individuals when scaled collectively. Such everyday habits, when adopted across neighborhoods, can yield substantial environmental benefits and accelerate the creation of a cleaner, healthier, and greener Manipur. During the ceremony, he also administered a formal environmental protection pledge to the attendees, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable stewardship throughout the campaign.
