Van Mahotsav ensures right to nature: Justice Somashekar
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 07 2025:
Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur, Justice K Somashekar, on Monday described the Van Mahotsav 2025 observance under the theme 'Ek Poudha Ma Ke Naam 2.0' as a significant initiative toward ensuring the fundamental right to nature without discrimination.
Speaking at the Van Mahotsav celebration held at the High Court complex, Justice Somashekhar emphasised the rising levels of air, water, and noise pollution, stating that planting trees is one of the most effective and practical solutions.
Highlighting India's large population and its contribution to global pollution, he said that the country bears a great responsibility in environmentalpreservation, particularly through afforestation.
He remarked that, as a democratic nation, Indians Constitution provides citizens with several fundamental rights, and the right to nature is an essential part of these rights.
He added that the event was held with the intent to ensure clean air for all and noted that such environmental efforts should not be confined to a single week each year but should become part of an ongoing, year round initiative.
He called on citizens to take collective responsibility in planting and nurturing trees not just for the present generation but for the wellbeing of generations to come.
The programme was jointly organised by the High Court of Manipur and the forest department.
High Court judges Justice A Bimol Singh and Justice A Gtmeshwar Sharma, director of the Manipur Judicial Academy Justice Golmei Gaiphumsiliu Kabui, High Court registrar general Ojesh Mutum, advocate general Lenin Hijam, Bar Council of Manipur chairman S Brajabihari, High Court Bar Association president N Kumarjit, divisional forest officer (Central Division) Vikram Suresh Nadhe, nodal officer of 'Ek Per Ma Ke Naam 2.0' and conservator of forests (Southern Circle) Sanajaoba Khuraijam, and additional chief secretary Anurag Bajpai also attended the programme.
Officials from the forest department and the High Court, along with lawyers, took part in the tree plantation drive.
As part of the Van Mahotsav observance, Manipur State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authorities of Imphal East and Imphal West also held a similar tree plantation programme at Lamphel Court Complex.
The event was jointly led by Imphal West District and Sessions Judge and DLSA Imphal West chairman Yumnam Rothar, and Imphal East District and Sessions Judge and DLSA Imphal East chairman Ningthoujam Lanleima.
Judicial officers, members of All Manipur Bar Association and All Manipur Lady Advocates' Association, as well as staff members of the two DLSAs, participated in the programme.
In another related programme, District National Programme for Healthcare for the Elderly Cell and the District Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Cell of Imphal East jointly organised a plantation and health outreach drive at Sanjenbam village, Imphal East.
The programme was attended by joint director (Planning) Y Premchandra, Chief Medical Officer, Imphal East L Indira Devi, State Nodal Officer of the National Programme for Palliative' Care and the National Programme for Healthcare of Elderly, Manipur, L Tilakeshori, and former Takhel Gram Panchayat pradhan M Ningthem.
During the event, health cards were distributed to elderly persons with diabetes and hypertension.
Five elderly individuals received gift packages as part of palliative care support, and NCD Imphal East medical team demonstrated physiotherapy exercises to the senior citizens.
Meanwhile, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Chandel in collaboration with DFO, Chandel, also organised a tree plantation programme at Chandel District Court Complex under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) .
The event was attended by DLSA Chandel panel advocate secretary Phungreishung, Judicial Magistrate First Class Moreh Fakhrul Islam Choudhary, executive members of Chandel Bar Association, and officials and staff members of DFO, Chandel.
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