Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) Anurag Bajpai on Thursday launched the State-level 77th Van Mahotsav 2026 at Chingkhu Mayai Leikai Community Hall in Imphal West under the nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” campaign.
Addressing the gathering, Bajpai described Van Mahotsav as a celebration of forests and a collective commitment to environmental conservation. He announced that the Forest Department aims to plant 15 lakh saplings across the state during the Van Mahotsav week and urged citizens to ensure the survival of every tree planted.
He said the campaign will focus on restoring degraded forest landscapes, strengthening community-led forest conservation and expanding green cover in urban and peri-urban areas to enhance climate resilience and sustainable development.
Calling for mass participation, Bajpai urged government departments, educational institutions, youth organisations and local communities to actively join the plantation drive. He also acknowledged the contributions of frontline forest personnel in protecting the state’s forest resources.
The programme was attended by Additional PCCF Soreiphy Vashum, DFO Central Forest Division Vikram Suresh Nadhe, village authorities, Meira Paibis, civil society organisations, students and volunteers.