Imphal: The 75th State-level Van Mahotsav 2024 was joyously celebrated by the Forest Department of the Government of Manipur in collaboration with the Divisional Forest Office, Central Forest Division, local schools, and civil society organizations. This significant event, held to promote environmental awareness and action, attracted nearly 300 enthusiastic participants, including students, government officials, security personnel, CSOs, and community members.
The ceremony, graced by esteemed dignitaries, featured Thongam Biswajit Singh, Minister of Environment, as the Chief Guest, and Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh, MLA (Lamshang A/C), M.H. Khan, Special Chief Secretary to the Government, and S.S. Chhabra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HOFF) as guests of honour. Their presence underscored the importance of the occasion in the state’s environmental calendar.
The function was also attended by senior Forest officials, DC/IW, SP/IW, DIG/CRPF, Director IIIT, jawans of CRPF, CSOs, the area Councillor, and community members of Lamdeng Makha Leikai and neighboring villages.
Ganesh N, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Central Division, extended a warm welcome to the gathering, setting a positive tone for the event. Highlights included inspiring speeches by students Nongmaithem Arena and Sanasam Kaiku from Praja Hr Sec School, who eloquently addressed the urgency of climate change and the significance of forest conservation, respectively.
The MLA praised the collective efforts toward environmental conservation, emphasizing community engagement as pivotal in safeguarding natural resources. The Honorable Minister of Environment reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainability, outlining various initiatives aimed at enhancing forest cover and combating climate change. He addressed the pressing issue of deforestation and its detrimental effects, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to carbon neutrality and the need for urgent climate action. He also sensitized students on the critical challenges posed by climate change, inspiring them to take active roles in safeguarding our planet’s future. Both leaders emphasized the crucial role of youth in environmental stewardship.
A notable feature of the celebration was a mass tree plantation drive themed “Ek Ped- Maa ke Naam” (Ema-gi mingda uu ama tharasi), where over 2000 seedlings were planted by participants, symbolizing their dedication to a greener future. The event also witnessed school kids taking a pledge under LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Many students participated enthusiastically along with their mothers under the banner of “Ek Ped – Maa ke Naam.” Additionally, an awareness campaign called “Know Your Tree” was launched by the Forest Department, providing information on important trees across Imphal City with creative signages on the trees.
The Forest Department expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organizers for their invaluable contributions to making the Van Mahotsav celebration a resounding success.
