Loushangkhong Ningol Van launched to promote afforestation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 23 2026: The Association of MSAP Alumni Manipur in collaboration with the Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division planted saplings at Loushangkhong Primary School and Loushangkhong Khong (canal) in Imphal East district today, launching the Loushangkhong Ningol Van.

This is the third plantation drive taken up by the association this year and the sixth Ningol Van opened by the Central Forest Division this year.

The programme was attended by DFO, Central Forest Division Vikram Suresh Nadhe, Loushangkhong Ward Member Takhellambam Shyamjai, Association of MSAP Alumni Manipur president Prof Th Asha Sinha who is also Director, Research & Development, MIU, and LWDC Loushangkhong treasurer H Shyamananda as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Suresh Nadhe said the Loushangkhong Ningol Van was opened as the sixth Ningol Van this year.

Around 120 women of Loushangkhong along with students planted saplings of various fruit-bearing, shadegiving and medicinal plants in the primary school campus and along the canal.

QR codes were also installed in the name of the planters.

Vikram Nadhe said Manipur has a history of women leading from the front in development, governance and various fields, with Nupi Lal known worldwide and Ima Keithel recognised as Asia's only market run entirely by women.

With the objective that involving women and Ningols in environment protection and tree plantation will ensure success, the Ningol Van initiative was launched, he said.

He appealed to the people to nurture the saplings for at least two years and water them regularly, stating that once grown, the trees will not only improve the environment but also provide fruits for health and boost the economy.

Prof Dr Asha Sinha said when the saplings planted today start bearing fruits, it will not only bring happiness to the locals but also create a new chapter of history where future generations will proudly say that the grove was planted by their sisters, mothers and grandmothers, and will help in conserving the forest.

She urged all to collectively nurture the saplings.

Speakers also lauded the people of Loushangkhong for planting trees in the hills in the past and for their ongoing efforts to increase forest cover, and called for more collective plantation drives in the future.

Comment