Itanagar, April 20 : Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) Dr BD Mishra has emphasised on the conduction of more and more games and sports activities to promote a healthy competition among the youths of the state, besides calling for utilizing the services of sports achievers in popularizing various sporting disciplines. The Governor made these propositions when the State Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs and Environment & Forests Mama Natung called on him at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on Wednesday. During the meeting, they discussed issues about the promotion of sports and youth activities and safeguarding forest land for conservation and protection of the state’s rich flora and fauna, official sources said. The Governor also advised the Minister to organize youth conventions and interactions to create awareness about drug abuse and other social evils. “The ‘youth of the day’ must be encouraged, given the opport ty and avenue to cultivate nationalism and progressive coexistence. They have a role to play in addressing social issues, including protecting the environment, preserving the good age-old traditions, eliminating evil social customs and contributing to socio-economic development,” he said. The Governor, while expressing his concern over rain-triggered landslides in different parts of the state, suggested the Forest Minister organize mass tree plantation drives throughout the state. Complimenting Natung for his ‘landmark’ initiative, ‘Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan’, the Governor said that it is the responsibility of every Arunachali to protect the flora and fauna of the state. He also called for the conservation and protection of forest lands. TD ARN