Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, July 3:
The third day of the 76th Van Mahotsav 2025 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and a strong message of environmental stewardship at Vashimtang, Hungpung under the theme “Plant Trees, Save Trees — Lend a Hand to Make Our Manipur Greener.”
The event, organised by the Ukhrul Forest Division, was graced by Gaithaolu Thaimei, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Manipur, as the chief guest. In his keynote address, Thaimei highlighted this year’s Van Mahotsav theme, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, encouraging people to plant trees in honor of their mothers. He stressed the importance of forests to Manipur’s economy, calling it a “forest-based economy” driven by timber, bamboo, essential oils, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) like turmeric, ginger, wild fruits, and cardamom.
He emphasized the urgent need to develop MSMEs in forest-based industries, integrate local products into national and international markets, and undertake scientific plantations with proper land-use planning. Thaimei also elaborated on the untapped potential of ecotourism, suggesting that promoting nature-based tourism—like trekking, bird-watching, yoga retreats, and camping—can boost employment and infrastructure in hill districts like Ukhrul.
Presiding over the function, Leishram Gitla Devi, DFO Ukhrul, encouraged youth participation in afforestation drives and sustainable forest management. Asish Das, Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, who attended as Guest of Honour, left a stirring message: “I am handing over the forest to you as a memory and a promise for future generations.”
Adding charm to the green celebration were Miss Esme Shaiza Singh, Miss Shirui Lily 2025, and Miss Disti Athopam, 1st Runner-Up and co-brand ambassador for the 76th Van Mahotsav. Their presence symbolized the youth’s role in environmental advocacy.
The celebration saw participation from the Additional SP Ukhrul, Assam Rifles Ukhrul Town Post Commander, CO of the 6th Manipur Rifles, leaders from TSL, Vashimtang authorities, district-level officers (DLOs), and local well-wishers.
The function concluded with a united call for action, where students, locals, and officials pledged to plant more trees, protect forest resources, and make Ukhrul a beacon of green growth. The event truly reflected the spirit of Van Mahotsav—celebrating trees as life-givers and symbols of legacy.
