Senapati: Joining the nationwide celebration of Van Mahotsav 2026, Senapati Forest Division officially launched the week-long Forest Festival today at the Karong Water Reservoir, Senapati. The inaugural event marks the beginning of an ambitious annual tree-planting campaign dedicated to promote environmental conservation and increasing forest cover in the district.
As part of the inaugural plantation drive, over 2,000 seedlings of native species, including Taimareng, Tairen, Hollock, and Mango, were planted across five hectares of degraded land surrounding the Karong Water Reservoir.
Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, M.L. Kaisungbou, MPS, Additional Superintendent of Police (NH-2), Senapati, called upon citizens to actively participate in conserving forests and safeguarding water resources by dedicating at least one day each year to planting trees. He highlighted the indispensable role of forests in ensuring water security and maintaining ecological balance, emphasizing that increasing forest cover around catchment areas enhances water retention, recharges water sources, and helps secure a sustainable water supply for future generations.
While speaking on sustainable livelihoods, he appealed the public to actively discouraged unsustainable poppy cultivation. He encouraged the farming community to adopt eco- friendly alternative crops that provide sustainable sources of income while protecting the environment.
Delivering the welcome address, Shanngam S, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Senapati, stated that Van Mahotsav is observed annually from July 1 to July 7 to promote afforestation and environmental conservation. He underscored the vital role forests play in maintaining ecological balance by providing clean air, protecting water resources, and sustaining biodiversity.
Highlighting the significance of the plantation site, the Divisional Forest Officer noted that the surrounding forest serves as the catchment area for a major water reservoir supplying drinking water to nearly 50 percent of households in Senapati town and adjoining areas. He stressed that conserving forests around such critical water sources is essential for ensuring a reliable supply of clean water for present and future generations.
The DFO also highlighted the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, initiated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, encouraging every citizen to plant a tree in honour of their mother. He described the initiative as a meaningful tribute that also strengthens collective efforts towards environmental conservation. Appealing for greater public participation, he urged all stakeholders to work together in preserving the district’s natural resources and thanked the participants for contributing to the plantation drive.
The ceremonial plantation was led by M.L. Kaisungbou in the presence of Shanngam S, District Level Officers (DLOs), Forest Department officials, and other dignitaries.
During the programme, the Khabung Karong Youth and Students Organisation was presented with a cash award in recognition of its contribution to forest fire prevention. Certificates of Appreciation were also awarded to Hills Academy of Science, MANEDA Orphanage, and Compassion Children Ministry Orphanage for their support and participation in environmental conservation activities.
The Forest Department also announced that it will continue conducting large-scale plantation drives across Senapati District during the Van Mahotsav celebrations, with a target of planting more than one lakh seedlings.
The inaugural celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 200 volunteers, including representatives from Hills Academy of Science, MANEDA Orphanage, Compassion Children Ministry Orphanage, Khabung Karong Youth and Students Organisation, Village Authority members, District Level Officers, Forest Department personnel, and the Police Department.
