'Plant a tree in the name of mother' rings loud on Van Mahotsav
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 06 2024: Voicing his support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to plant 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', Forest Minister Th Biswajit has appealed to one and all to plant a tree sapling on their every birthday in the name of their respective mothers.

The Forest Department observed the 75th Van Ma-hotsav at Lamdeng Makha Leikai in Imphal West under the theme "Imagee Mingda U-Pambi Amamam Thabiyu" which translates as "Plant a tree in the name of mother," today.

The Minister along with dozens of people including students and womenfolk planted several tree saplings at Lamdeng as a part of the observance.

Speaking as the chief guest, Th Biswajit said that Van Mahotsav is a festival of forest which aims to encourage people to become more active in environmental conservation efforts.

'Plant a tree in the name of mother' rings loud on Van Mahotsav

Saying that people across the world have been facing the impacts of global warming caused and exacerbated by human activities, he added that planting trees is one of the most effective ways to limit global warming.

The Government is targeting to plant at least 14 lakh tree saplings this year, he said and sought support from the people to make the campaign successful.

Further appealing to one and all to make plantation of tree saplings a part of birthday celebrations, he said that the Forest Dept will provide saplings.

About the unrest in Manipur, Th Biswajit said that collective efforts are needed to restore normalcy and promote communal harmony in the State.

"We should forgive one another for whatever that has happened in the past and work together to safeguard Manipur," he said.

Every life is very precious, the Minister said and added that infighting among the communities living together in Manipur would be harmful to all.

Saying that there is not a single person who doesn't want to protect Manipur, Biswajit maintained that the Government always welcomes constructive criticism which will benefit the society.

"Let's all work together to ensure there is no more violence in Manipur", he prayed.

Coming to the environment again, Biswajit appealed to both the people in hill and valley districts of Manipur to check deforestation and conserve forests.

Saying that there is a shortage of manpower and resources in the Forest Department, the Minister added that it would be very difficult for only the Forest officials to look after the vast tracts of forest in Manipur.

"Apart from checking deforestation, we must also conserve wildlife," he said.

Lamsang AC MLA S Rajen and Special Chief Secretary of Forest and Environment MH Khan also attended the Van Mahotsav observance, among others.