76th Van Mahotsav begins in Ukhrul district
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, July 01 2025: Ukhrul Forest Division commenced its annual Van Mahotsav 2025 celebrations with a series of plantation drives across the district on Tuesday.

The week-long festival, observed nationwide from July 1-7, aims to foster a deeper connection between the community and nature.

In Jessami, a tree plantation drive was spearheaded by Ukhrul DFO Laishram Gitla, along with Jessami RFO K Siyo, and a dedicated team of held staff.

A total of 600 seedlings of indigenous species were planted in and around the village.

76th Van Mahotsav begins in Ukhrul district

The event witnessed participation of representatives from several key institutions including Jessami Village Council, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya students and teachers, Jessami SDO staff, Jessami police personnel, and NHIDCL staff.

Speaking on the occasion, DFO Gitla called for collective action in protecting nature to experience the true benefits of trees and forests in a tangible way.

She said that time has come for practical implementation of planting and nurturing trees, reasoning that awareness campaigns in this regard have already been conducted for years now.

JVC chairman Joysingh Wejah also expressed support for the initiative to safeguard the environment, stating that planting and nurturing trees is crucial for a sustainable future.

Similar plantation programmes were also car ried out in other locations.

At Yaolen, Litan, a similar drive was led by Ukhrul RFO Chermishan Asp, along with a team of forest field staff, engaging around 50 participants in the forest festival.

In her speech, Chermishan said that with the department raising awareness about the importance of forests for years, the time has come for all to take decisive action to protect nature.

"The simple message now is: it's the right time for action," she exhorted the participants.

Attending the plantation drive, Tangkhul Shanao Long vice-president Ngamreiphy Zimik motivated women and youth to become champi ons of forest protection.

The event was also participated by a Litan police team led by Lovejoy AS and locals from neighbouring villages.

"This collective effort shows that actions matter more than words," a village representative said.

Meanwhile, a plantation drive was also held at Awang Kasom (Ngahui) Junction, with Chingai RFO Nongmaithem Bikram and his team overseeing the plantation efforts.

"Protecting forests is every citizen's responsibility," said Bikram, reminding the participants that trees not only improve air quality but also provide critical habitat for wildlife, regulate water cycles, and support livelihoods.

This year's Van Mahotsav is being celebrated under the theme "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0," an initiative encouraging individuals to plant a Tree in the name of their mothers, symbolising nur turing and life -while also fostering an emotional bond with the planted saplings, ensuring their long-term care and survival.

Meanwhile, the Ukhrul Forest Division urged all citizens, local organisations, and educational institutions to actively participate in the ongoing Van Mahotsav activities throughout the week and thereafter, contributing to a greener and healthier Ukhrul.

"These plantation drives are a vital step towards combating climate change, preventing soil erosion, and enhancing biodiversity in the district," said the department.