Ukhrul Forest Division honoured for record plantation drive during 77th Van Mahotsav
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik / DIO

Ukhrul, July 18 2026: The Ukhrul Forest Division has been honoured with the State award under the "Maximum Number of Saplings Plantation - Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (EPMKN) 3.0" category during the State-level Green Finale of the 77th Van Mahotsav Celebration, 2026, held at the City Convention Centre, Imphal, on Saturday.

The programme was attended by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the chief guest.

The award was presented by Deputy Chief Minister and Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Losii Dikho.

The award recognises the outstanding achievement of the Ukhrul Forest Division, which planted 4,31,493 saplings between June 5 and July 14 under the nationwide "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0" campaign.

The award was received by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Laishram Gitla.

Expressing gratitude after receiving the award, the DFO credited the achievement to the collective efforts of all stakeholders, saying the overwhelming public participation demonstrated that environmental conservation can succeed only through community ownership and partnership.

She appealed to the people of Ukhrul to protect and nurture every sapling planted and urged communities to undertake casualty replacement next year by collecting fresh seedlings from the Forest Division wherever required.

The DFO also acknowledged the contributions of the District Administration, village authorities, NGOs, civil society organisations, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, educational institutions, churches, security forces, orphanages, youth organisations and SHGs in making the plantation drive a success.

She particularly highlighted the significant role played by the Water Resource Conservation Groups (WRCGs) from 23 villages under the Community-Based Sustainable Forest Management for Water Resource Conservation in Manipur (COSFOM), describing the plantation campaign as a true people's movement.

The recognition, she said, is expected to encourage greater public participation in future afforestation and environmental conservation initiatives while further strengthening Ukhrul's reputation as a leading district in community-driven forest conservation in Manipur.

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