76th Van Mahotsav 2025 launched with Tree plantation drives

The 76th Van Mahotsav 2025 was launched today with a tree plantation programme at Pidoinu Laiphamlen, Pungdongbam, Khamenlok in the Gwaltabi Reserve Forest. The programme was organised by the Forest Department, Government of Manipur, under the theme “Plant Trees, Save Trees; Lend a Hand to Make Our Manipur Greener.”
The launching programme was attended by Anurag Bajpai, IFS, Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, along with RK Amarjit Singh, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Central Circle, and Khuraijam Sanajaoba, Nodal Officer of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
Brand ambassadors of Van Mahotsav 2025 — Esme Singh Shaiza, Miss Shirui Lily 2025, and Disti Athokpam Devi, 1st runner-up Miss Shirui Lily 2025 — also took part in the tree plantation drive.
Also, as part of the 76th Van Mahotsav celebration, a tree plantation programme was held today at Tejpur Mamang Cheirao Ching.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Conservator of Forests, L. Joykumar highlighted that green forests are not only beneficial to humans but also essential for all living beings and for maintaining ecological balance. He noted that the depletion of greenery has become a global concern and that the rising temperatures in the state further necessitate large-scale tree plantation drives.
He also drew attention to Article 51A (g) of the Indian Constitution, which lays down the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to show compassion towards all living creatures. Joykumar lamented that this constitutional duty is often neglected or overlooked.
The event was organised by the Mayeng Lamjao Gram Panchayat under the supervision of the Thoubal Forest Division, with active participation and support from local clubs, civil society organisations (CSOs), village-level federations (VLFs), and other community members.
The tree plantation drive was participated by several officials including Dr. Leishangthem Jeeceelee (MFS), Divisional Forest Officer, Thoubal; M. Veto (MCS), Director YAS and Home Secretary; Urikkhinbam Narjit, Chairperson of the Administrative Committee, Mayeng Lamjao GP; N. Deepa, RO Headquarters, Thoubal Forest Division; Dineshchandra Salam, RO Thoubal; and H. Sunder, RO Kakching. Members of Zilla Parishad, Gram Panchayat, local clubs, CSOs, and VLFs under Mayeng Lamjao GP also took part in the initiative.
In Jiribam, a Divisional Level Vana Mahotsav Week Celebration, 2025 was inaugurated in a function held at Jiri College. The inaugural function was organized by Divisional Forest Officer, Jiribam.
The function was graced by Krishna Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Shaikh Mohd Zaib Zakir, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Jiribam and Elangbam Nirmala Chanu, Divisional Forest Officer, Jiribam as Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and President respectively.
As part of the celebration a ceremonial tree plantation led Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam was also held at Jiri College campus, symbolizing the commitment to environmental protection.
The function was attended by CO 7 th IRB, Jiribam, Semmi Ramror, MPS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Th. Manoranjan Singh, MCS, CO 156 Bn CRPF Kanhaiya Singh, District Level Officers, Officials of Jiribam Forest Division besides enthusiastic participation from Teachers and Students of Jiri College and Teachers and Students from various schools highlighting the community’s commitment to environmental protection.