Van Mahotsav gains momentum in Kangpokpi, Chandel
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Kangpokpi/Chandel, July 06 2026: The 77th Van Mahotsav was observed across Kangpokpi and Chandel districts on Sunday with large-scale plantation drives and renewed calls for environmental conservation under the theme, "A Tree Today, A Thousand Smiles Tomorrow".

In Kangpokpi, the districtlevel celebration was held at Keithelmanbi Government High School in Champhai Sub-Division.

Deputy Commissioner Mahesh Chaudhari attended the programme as the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner stressed that environmental conservation is a collective responsibility and said planting trees is only the beginning of a much larger commitment.

He emphasised that the longterm survival of saplings depends on proper care, nurturing and protection, responsibilities that must be shared by the entire community and not the Forest Department alone.

He also urged the public to actively address environmental challenges such as climate change, global warming, floods and soil erosion through year-round conservation efforts.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Kangpokpi, Chinpilhing Kipgen, announced that the Forest Department aims to plant and distribute one lakh saplings through schools, NGOs, village authorities and security forces.

To support the initiative, over two lakh saplings have been raised at nursery centres in Taphou, Phangjang, Motbung, Kanglatongbi and New Keithelmanbi.

She invited individuals and organisations to collect saplings from the nearest nursery and participate in the plantation drive.

Following the programme, the dignitaries led by the Deputy Commissioner participated in a ceremonial tree plantation.

The event was attended by Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta, CEO of Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council James Hapkip, district-level officers, Sub-Divisional Officers, teachers, students and other officials.

Meanwhile, the week-long Van Mahotsav continued in Chandel district with plantation drives held in six villages on the sixth day of the campaign.

At Unapal village, about 410 saplings were planted with the participation of around 210 villagers.

Plantation drives were also organised at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Japhou village, Mantri Pantha village, Living Hope Theological College and K Molnom village, with the participation of students, teachers, village chiefs, village authorities, Assam Rifles personnel and local residents.

Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Forest Officer Dr N Munal Meitei said around 82,500 saplings have so far been planted across Chandel district as part of the week-long observance.

He said plantation activities will continue across the four blocks of Chandel, Chakpikarong, Khengjoy and Khangbarol to achieve the target of planting 1.10 lakh saplings in collaboration with villagers, civil society organisations, self-help groups, security forces, students and members of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.

Comment