73rd Van Mahotsav : CM leads tree plantation drive
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, July 07 2022: Chief Minister N Biren Singh led a tree plantation drive at Eshing Chaibi area of Nongmaiching Reserved Forest today in celebration of the 73rd Van Mahotsav, today.

Later, the Chief Minister released a book "The Mother of Dark Chamber", a story of a Hornbill couple that nests inside the tree's cavity written by Dr Kh Shamungou during a function held at Sanamahi Kiyong Community Hall.

There, N Biren explained that the book could be translated into different dialects as various communities of the State revere the Hornbill.

The Chief Minister further stressed that people are aware of what Reserved Forest, Protected Forest and Unclassified Forest are and have been taking part in tree plantation drives across the State.

He urged the Forest officials to spread awareness of the various Forests Acts for the people to understand.

73rd Van Mahotsav : CM leads tree plantation drive

The Chief Minister explained that the initiative to save forest areas is being taken up for the common good of the public.

He sought support from the public in the movement to save forest areas.

Stating that the Government is planning to develop certain roadside infrastructure at Waithou and beautify the Loktak Lake, the Chief Minister urged the people to not disturb the ecosystem of Loktak.

The Chief Minister assured to bring a change in the entire landscape of the State in the next five years and will give its best effort to root out corruption, drugs misuse and other social ills.

Forests, Environment and Climate Change Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh said Van Mahotsav is a weeklong celebration held every year from July 1 to 7 every year to save the environment.

Further seeking support of the public, the Minister said that Government action is not against any community or individual but for the collective welfare of the people.

Maintaining that the State will plant around 75 lakh saplings by August, he added that the Government had planted around 29 lakh saplings while another 15 lakh saplings have been distributed for plantation.

Rajya Sabha MP Leisemba Sanajaoba also encouraged the public to plant trees to conserve forest.

Principal Conservator of Forests Dr AK Joshi said that the Chief Minister has been constantly motivating the staff and officers of the Forest Department to carry out mass plantation drives across the State.

The function was also attended by CAF & PD Minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Lamlai AC MLA Kh Ibomcha, Kshetrigao AC MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan, and Chief Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar.