Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on November 1 launched the BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week 2026 and flagged off a cyclothon at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal. The initiative aims to encourage environmentally responsible lifestyles and strengthen public participation in protecting the state’s natural resources.
Organised by the Government of Manipur, the weeklong campaign will run from November 1 to 7. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), the programme encourages people to make sustainable choices through simple changes in their everyday routines.
Manipur CM Calls for Greater Environmental Responsibility
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh highlighted Manipur’s rich biodiversity, including its forests, rivers and wetlands. He described these natural resources as valuable assets that must be protected and preserved for future generations.
The Chief Minister stressed that environmental conservation should not remain the responsibility of the government alone. Instead, every citizen must contribute towards protecting the environment through responsible daily habits.
He particularly encouraged young people to take an active role in environmental protection. According to him, individual efforts, when adopted collectively, can bring meaningful improvements to the state’s ecological well-being.
Moreover, Singh urged citizens to conserve water and electricity, avoid single-use plastics, reduce waste and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings.
He also appealed to government departments, educational institutions, local bodies and community organisations to participate actively in the campaign.
BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week Begins With Cyclothon
The cyclothon was among the major attractions of the inaugural programme at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.
The Chief Minister flagged off around 200 cyclists representing different sections of society. The event aimed to connect environmental awareness with physical fitness while encouraging people to consider cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation.
The cycling rally started from Khuman Lampak and proceeded through Khuyathong Road and Babupara. Participants travelled across areas of Imphal West and Imphal East before returning to the starting point.
The activity highlighted how cycling can support healthier lifestyles while helping reduce dependence on fuel-powered vehicles for shorter journeys.
Furthermore, the participation of people from different backgrounds reflected the importance of community involvement in environmental initiatives.
The programme also brought together students, senior government officials and other participants to mark the beginning of the weeklong observance.
Mission LiFE Remains Central to the Campaign
The campaign draws inspiration from Mission LiFE, which promotes environmentally conscious behaviour through individual and community action.
The initiative encourages people to move away from wasteful consumption and adopt habits that reduce pressure on natural resources.
As part of the inaugural programme, Singh administered an environmental protection pledge to those present. He also joined other dignitaries in planting Uningthou saplings at the sports complex.
The plantation activity reinforced the campaign’s focus on protecting greenery and encouraging citizens to take practical steps towards environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai and Principal Secretary for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Arun Kumar Sinha attended the programme.
R.K. Amarjit Singh, the state’s nodal officer for BRICS, also briefed the gathering about the initiative.
The state-level programme was conducted by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur.
Seven Themes Highlight Sustainable Living
The broader BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week 2026 focuses on seven important areas of environmentally responsible living.
These include adopting healthy lifestyles, saving energy, conserving water, promoting sustainable food systems, avoiding single-use plastics, reducing electronic waste and minimising overall waste.
Each theme highlights practical changes that individuals and communities can introduce into their daily activities.
For instance, switching off unnecessary electrical appliances can help conserve energy. Similarly, using reusable bags and bottles can reduce plastic consumption.
The campaign also encourages responsible food choices, better waste management and greater awareness about electronic waste.
Educational institutions and youth organisations have an important role in spreading these messages. Their participation can help introduce sustainable habits among younger generations and encourage wider community engagement.
The nationwide observance also reflects India’s efforts to connect environmental responsibility with its 2026 BRICS Chairship.
Manipur Seeks Long-Term Environmental Action
The launch of the BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week comes as Manipur continues to highlight the importance of protecting its natural environment.
The state’s forests, rivers and wetlands support biodiversity and remain important ecological resources. Their conservation requires consistent efforts from government institutions, local communities and individual citizens.
While government policies and conservation programmes remain essential, public participation can strengthen their impact.
The Chief Minister’s message therefore focused on making environmental protection part of everyday life rather than limiting it to special occasions.
The campaign will continue until November 7, with a broader emphasis on encouraging responsible lifestyles and collective environmental action.
Through the cyclothon, plantation drive and environmental pledge, Manipur has begun the observance with a call for greater public involvement. The larger objective is to turn awareness into lasting habits and build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.
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