76th Van Mahotsav celebration continues
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 05 2025: As observed across the country, Manipur Police Training College (MPTC) in collaboration with the Manipur Forest Department celebrated Van Mohotsav 2025 at its premises in Pangei today.

Van Mahotsav, also known as the "Festival of Trees", is an annual week-long tree-planting festival celebrated in the country during the first week of July.

The festival was started in 1950 by the Ministry of Agriculture to create awareness about the importance of trees and forests in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring environmental stability.

The function was graced by dignitaries, including Sorokhaibam Gautam Singh, i/c Director, MPTC, Pangei; Vikram Suresh Nadhe, DFO, Central Forest Division; A Ghanashyam Sharma, Assistant Director, MPTC; Victoria Yengkhom, Assistant Director, MPTC; P Manjit Singh, Assistant Director, MPTC; Md Abul Kalam, Assistant Director, MPTC; and A Devananda Singh, Additional SP, MPTC.

Altogether, 200 personnel including officers, law instructors and JCOs attended the function wherein different views and opinions were expressed on the need to conserve forest and biodiversity.

A total of 2,025 tree saplings were planted along with Forest officials at Wain Firing Range campus, MPTC, Pangei.

Moreover, as part of the week-long celebration of Van Mahotsav, the Directorate of Handloom & Textiles, Government of Manipur organised a massive tree plantation programme under the theme, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi.

The programme was graced by dignitaries, including Anurag feajpai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Additional Chief Secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industry); H Bobby Sharma.

Joint Secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industry); Vikram Nadhe, DFO, Central Forest Division; H Otjubala, Deputy Secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industry); Elangbam Jiten, Director, Handloom and Textiles; Y Robita Devi, Director, Commerce & Industry; Debala Laiphrakpam, Conservator of Forest, Eastern Circle; and Khuraijam Sanajaoba, Conservator of Forest, South Circle Addressing the gathering, Anurag Bajpai emphasised that industry and forests need to grow together for the sustainable economic growth of the State.

He pointed out that the forests are the strength of the State and a large amount of raw materials required for industries are coming out of forests.

He also envisaged that in Government, it essential for the Departments to come out of their silos and join hands together for efficient management and optimum utilisation of natural resources.

As part of the event, a large number of students, teachers, staff and officials of Handloom & Textiles, Commerce & Industry and Forest Departments, planted tree saplings in Urban Haat campus and surrounding areas, as a tribute to mothers.

Similarly, as part of the 76th Van Mahotsav celebration, the Urban Forestry Division also conducted a tree plantation drive in Canchipur Leishang Hiden area today under the theme, "Plant Trees, Save Trees".

Urban Forestry Division DFO M Wungrin Lansing was also present at the event.

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