Forest conservation efforts of indigenous people noted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 07 2025: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla highlighted Manipur's rich ecological heritage and biodiversity of the hill regions during the grand finale event of the 76th Van Mahotsav, 2025 held at City Convention Centre today.

During the event, the Governor felicitated prize winners of painting competition, individuals who helped the administration voluntarily in fighting forest fires, distributed tree saplings to student representatives from various districts and also released a commemorative publication.

Speaking at the event, the Governor addressed Manipur's rich ecological heritage and acknowledged the role of traditional forest conservation practices maintained by indigenous communities.

The Governor stressed that the threats of deforestation, unsustainable resource use, and climate change, are real and immediate, and urged citizens to act today, not tomorrow.

He also pointed out the impact of jhum cultivation in disrupting the ecological balance.

Saving the environment by planting trees consistently cannot be accomplished by the Govt alone.

This requires cooperation and help from the public as well, he said.

This year's Van Mahotsav also coincided with the launch of "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0", a Nationwide initiative introduced by PM Narendra Modi.

Lauding the campaign as a creative and visionary idea, he said it aims to inspire every citizen to plant a tree in honour of their mother and as a heartfelt tribute to Mother Earth.

He further lauded the Forest Dept for successfully planting over 13 lakh tree saplings across 16 districts within a week.

He appreciated the dept's innovation of using recycled plastic bottles for fencing the saplings, and encouraged its wider adoption across the State as a sustainable and eco-friendly model.

Meanwhile, PCCF & HoFF Anurag Bajpai said according to a Forest Survey of India report published in 2024, Manipur has lost 52 sq km of forest cover.

However, this is an improvement as the State lost 250 sq km in 2021.The Governor planted a tree sapling at Kangla Fort Complex as part of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0" campaign.

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