Imphal: Van Mahotsav 2024 was celebrated across various district headquarters in Manipur with great enthusiasm and commitment to environmental conservation.
In Thoubal district, the Thoubal Forest Division and Khongjom War Memorial Committee jointly organised the 75th District Level Van Mahotsav Celebration at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex on Friday. The week-long event, observed from July 1 to July 7, aimed to raise awareness about forest conservation and environmental preservation. Participants honoured Mother Earth through tree planting activities and promoted reducing, reuse, and recycling principles.
During the event, Deputy Commissioner A. Subhash Singh addressed the audience, highlighting the visible impacts of climate change and the detrimental effects of deforestation on the local population. Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Balwal and Dr. Leishangthem Jeecelee, Divisional Forest Officer of Thoubal Forest Division, also participated actively in the tree planting program alongside government officials, students, teachers, and staff from various schools and departments.
Meanwhile, in Bishnupur district, the Forest Department of Manipur organized a mass tree plantation drive at Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou, under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: Plant4Mother”. Led by Deputy Commissioner Lourembam Bikram, the initiative aimed to plant 10,000 saplings across 20 different locations in the district.
During his speech, DC Bikram emphasized the critical importance of tree plantation in mitigating climate change impacts like thunderstorms, hailstorms, and floods, which have significantly affected the state since April.
He urged citizens to actively participate in forest protection efforts and encouraged each family to plant at least one tree, echoing this year’s Van Mahotsav theme. Stressing that addressing climate change is a global responsibility requiring local action, DC Bikram called for collective efforts to safeguard the environment for future generations.
