Kangpokpi: The district-level celebration of the 77th Van Mahotsav for Kangpokpi district was held today at Keithelmanbi Government High School, within the Champhai Sub-Division, under the theme “A tree today, a thousand smiles tomorrow”.
Mahesh Chaudhari IAS, DC Kangpokpi who graced the occasion as the Chief guest emphasized the critical importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding our environment. Recognizing Van Mahotsav as a vital opportunity to foster environmental consciousness, he highlighted that planting trees is just the first step in a larger commitment. The true challenge lies in the consistent care, nurturing, and protection of these trees to ensure their survival, an essential duty that extends beyond the responsibility of the Forest Department. Emphasizing the model potential of schools in this endeavor, the speaker encouraged collaborative efforts in planting and maintenance, suggesting innovative projects like QR-coded tree monitoring to ensure long-term sustainability. The speech concluded with a call to action, urging community members to embody the selfless nature of trees and recognize the urgent need to address environmental threats such as global warming, floods, and soil erosion through active, year-round stewardship of our natural heritage
Speaking on the occasion the DFO of Kangpokpi, Chinpilhing Kipgen, IFS, delivered a resonant call to environmental action, highlighting the deep, sacred bond between nature and culture. Drawing attention to pressing global challenges such as climate change and deforestation, she emphasized the critical need for stewardship, noting that the Earth—a green planet—relies on the presence of plants, the first living organisms on Earth, for clean air, food, and water. During the event, the DFO shared a significant objective: the planting and distribution of 100,000 tree saplings through diverse community partners, including schools, NGOs, village authorities, and security forces. Kipgen noted that the department has raised over 200,000 saplings at nursery centers in Taphou, Phangjang, Motbung, Kanglatombi, and New Keithelmanbi to facilitate this initiative. She invited all interested individuals to apply at their nearest nursery center to contribute to this vital effort to protect and nurture our environment.
Following the program, the dignitaries, led by the Deputy Commissioner, participated in a ceremonial tree sapling plantation drive to mark the occasion.
The events was attended by Rahul Gupta, IPS, SP-KPI; James Hapkip, MCS, CEO SH-ADC; DLO, SDO, Teacher, Students among all.
