Governor urges youth to protect forests for future generations
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 07 2025: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has called upon the youth and every household of the state to protect forests for the future generations and plant and nurture at least one tree throughout the years as a symbol of gratitude, responsibility and hope.

The week-long Van Mahotsav Celebration 2025 concluded with a Grand Finale chaired by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at City Convention Centre, here, on Monday.

During the programme, a short film on Van Mahotsav 2025 organised in all 14 Forest divisions during the week was screened with details of plantations done and people involved.

Later, the Governor handed over 16 seedlings to 16 select students, one from each district, to symbolise the greater role of youth in protection of forests for future generation.

Governor urges youth to protect forests for future generations

Another film demonstrated the development of unique and innovative tree guards made of waste plastic water bottles by the Forest Department.

A Coffee table Book focussed on food security through forests titled "Celebrating Manipur Forests and Foods Sustaining Nature, Nourishing Communities" was also released on the occasion.

Prizes to student winners of Painting Competition held during International Day of Biodiversity 2025 were distributed.

Certificates for Recognition of contribution towards preventing forest fires during October 2024 to May 2025 were awarded to L Ingobi Singh (fire watcher of Bishnupur Forest Division); Sarik Lairembi and Heingang Awang Leikai (Joint Forest Management Committees/ JFMCs of Thoubal and Central Forest Division respectively); Kalinamai Youth Club of Senapati; and Reimi Makang (Shokvao village headman of Ukhrul).

Before the event, the Governor inspected an exhibition organised to showcase the innovative tree guard made of waste plastic water bottles and the products made under the brand name "Manipur Naturals" by Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) of Tengnoupal, Chandel, Ukhrul, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Jiribam, Senapati, Tamenglong, Noney, Central, Kamjong, Pherzawl and Thoubal forest divisions.

He appreciated the efforts made by various VDVKs & the department to improve income of villagers.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Ajay Kumar appreciated the Forest Department for development of innovative tree guards made of waste plastic water bottles.

He opined that this innovative product is going to be a turning point in preventing the pollution from waste plastic water bottles.

He then asked the department to examine feasibility of the product getting GI recognition, and went on to commend the remarkable works being done by the Forest Department under the leadership of PCCF & HoFF and additional CS (TCI and TA&H) Anurag Bajpai.

Emphasising that Manipur is richly endowed with forests and diverse ecosystem, the Governor said that the same has long been sustained by the wisdom of its people.

The forests of Manipur are not just home to flora and fauna, they are also the lifeline of our indigenous communities, supporting their livelihoods, traditions and knowledge systems, he remarked.

Ajay Bhalla noted that the traditions in the valley such as protecting the sacred groves reflect the reverence.

Likewise, our hill tribes have long practiced community-managed forests, where every village takes collective responsibility to protect and sustainably use forest resources, he conveyed.

The folk festivals, songs, dances, and tribal rituals, whether it is Luira Phanit of Tangkhul, Chavang Kut of Kuki or Kangchingba among Kabui, are not just celebrations but messages to future generations about gratitude, harmony, and responsible stewardship of nature, he stated.

Governor Ajay Kumar then urged every child, parent and family to plant at least one tree in their homestead or community space and dedicate it to his/her mother.

He called upon the youth to protect forests which would thrive for generations to come and the citizens of Manipur to unite traditional wisdom and modem science to build a greener and more resilient future.

In his speech, PCCF Anurag Bajpai said that bamboo plantation is being encouraged as an alternative to poppy plantation.

As such, around 245 acres of land were planted with bamboos last year.

With around 400 acres planted this year, a total of 645 acres of land has been planted with bamboos.

The bamboos take 2-3 years to mature and can be used to generate income without destroying the environment, he explained.

The PCCF continued that the main causes of deforestation in the state are Jhum cultivation and forest fires.

Manipur lost around 240sqkm of forest area in 2021 as per a report by Forest Survey of India.

The state went on to lose another 52 sqkm of forest area in 2024 out of the state's total forest area of around 78 per cent.

Efforts are being made to cover at least 74 per cent of the forest area for conservation, he said, while adding tree plantation drives are being carried out under different programmes.

Earlier in the day, the Governor planted a seedling of Magnolia grandiflora (U-thambal) at Kangla Fort to mark the grand accomplishment of Van Mahotsav 2025 .

The seedlings were also planted by the advocate general Lenin Singh Hijam, PCCF & HoFF Anurag Bajpai and commissioner (Arts & Culture) M Joy.

The function, organised by the Forest Department, saw participation of students, teachers, academicians, village chiefs, JFMCs members, community leaders, professionals and NGOs from all 16 districts of the state, Participation from Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl and Jiribam districts were facilitated in virtual mode.

In addition, retired forest officials, officials from various government departments, state police, Assam Rifles, NHIDCL, Border Road Organisation, HIT, NIT and DMU were present.

DMU VC W Chandbabu Singh; Indo-German Forestry Project, Manipur chief technical advisor Dr Bjoem Wode; H Shubhra Devi of Meira Foods; Catherine Soyamphi AS of Soyam Industries; Brigadier A Boral of the Assam Rifles; Addl PCCF Soreiphy Vashum; and Van Mahotsav 2025 brand ambassadors Esme S Shaiza (Miss Shirui Lily 2025) and Disti Athokpam (1st Runner Up of Miss Shirui Lily 2025) also attended the function as members on the dais.