Van Mahotsav week celebration held at Thoubal, Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal/Ukhrul, July 03 2025:
The 76th edition of Van Mahotsav (Festival of Forests) was formally launched in Thoubal district with a grand observance organised by the Thoubal Forest Division at Thoubal Khunou Community Hall.
The event was graced by Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal, Hannha Kamei as chief guest, DFO Thoubal Dr Leishangthem Jeeceelee as president and Superintendent of Police Thoubal, Shivanand Surve IPS, 10th Bn BSF Commandant, Nirapjeet Boparai, 86th Bn CRPF Assistant Commandant, Kamei James Rongmei and Thoubal Municipal Council ward no 18, Councillor Moirangthem Ravi as presidium members.
In her keynote address, Deputy Commissioner Hannah Kamei highlighted the pressing need for forest conservation and the critical role of tree plantation in tackling climate change and preserving ecological balance.
She lauded the public for turning out in large numbers in today's celebration, and called for collective effort in making a greener Thoubal.
As part of the celebration, a prize distribution ceremony for the winners of the Spot Painting Competition organised under the theme "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development" in connection with International Day of Biological Diversity, 2025 was also held.
As part of the celebration, over 2000 tree saplings were planted by CRPF personnel, forest staff, police offices, school students and local residents.
Forest-based economy highlighted at Ukhrul event At Ukhrul, the districtlevel celebration of 76th Van Mahotsav celebration was held at Hungpung village.
During the event, Chief Conservator of Forest, Gaithaola Thaimei emphasized the importance of forest-centric policies to ensure balanced economic growth and environmental sustainability in the hill districts.
She stated that Manipur's economy is predominantly forest-based with the primary source of income deriving from the forest resources.
Thaimei highlighted the substantial potential of forest products in the hill districts, including timbers from teak, pine, Uningthou, laihao, walnut, khangra serves as raw materials for plywood industries, furniture making and construction work.
The alternative timber commonly known as green gold is also found abundantly in the hilly region of Manipur.
The non timber Forest Products (NFTP) like dalchini, citronella, lemon grass, turmeric, ginger, cardamom used in cosmetics industries and other food-based products like wild fruits juice, squash, candies and other species are extensively available in the hill forests.
Ukhrul district alone has 27 VDVKs benefiting over 8100 individuals and positively impacting more than 40500 lives, said Thaimei.
To fully harness these resources, Thaimei called for MSME's has to integrate forest-based industries into both national and international supply chains.
Meanwhile the DFO, Ukhrul Gitla Laishram in her keynote address called on the public to reaffirm their commitment to protecting nature by planting more trees and ensuring their survival.
She said, Van mahotsav celebration carries a strong message with a meaningful theme 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam-2.0' meaning plant tree in the name of our beloved mother.
She stated that the Ukhrul Forest Division has a target of planting more than one lakh seedlings during the weeklong plantation in Ukhrul district, which will end in the next week of July.
The brand ambassador of 76th Van mahotsav Miss Shirui Lily Esme Singh Shaiza and 1st Runner up Miss Shirui Lily Drishti Athokpam Devi attended as the special invites of the programme.
The DC, Ukhrul Ashish Das also expressed the ill impact of deforestation, climate change and mentioned the urgent needs of forest conservation.
He said human activities are the main cause of environmental degradation and in order to restore our ecological imbalances, extensive plantation of trees is vital for our survival.
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