Van Mahotsav, a green promise for every citizen : PCCF

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 1 :  Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) Anurag Bajpai, today launched the State Level 77th Van Mahotsav Celebration, 2026 in line with the Nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” at Chingkhu Mayai Leikai Community Hall, Imphal West.
The programme marked the commencement of the State-wide plantation campaign aimed at enhancing green cover, restoring degraded forest landscapes, and fostering greater public participation in environmental conservation, said a press note issued by the Forest Department.
Delivering the keynote address, Anurag Bajpai stated that Van Mahotsav is a time-honoured celebration of forests, the environment, and the shared responsibility of safeguarding the future for coming generations.
He stated that forests are far more than collections of trees but they are climate regulators, sources of water and livelihoods, and the living heritage of Manipur’s rich biodiversity and cultural identity.
Highlighting the objectives of the programme, he announced that the Forest Dept has set an ambitious target of planting approximately 15 lakh saplings during the Van Mahotsav week under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” initiative.
He stressed that achieving this target requires transforming plantation activities into a genuine people’s movement where every individual not only plants a tree but also takes responsibility for its survival and growth.
The PCCF & HoFF outlined the Department’s three key priorities viz restoration of degraded forest landscapes, strengthening community-led forest conservation, and expanding urban and peri-urban tree cover.
These initiatives, he noted, would enhance ecological resilience, improve environmental quality, and contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
Bajpai called upon every Government Department, educational institution, youth organisation, farmer, and citizen to actively participate in the campaign.
He assured that the Forest Department would extend all necessary technical guidance, planting material, and monitoring support, while emphasising that the long-term success of the initiative ultimately depends on sustained community stewardship and ownership.
Bajpai also paid tribute to the dedication and commitment of the Forest Department’s frontline personnel, including Rangers, field staff, and community forest guardians, whose efforts continue to protect the State’s invaluable forest resources.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional support and fostering greater collaboration with local communities.
Concluding his address, he urged every citizen to take at least one meaningful step during the Van Mahotsav week, 2026, whether by planting a sapling, sponsoring a plantation activity, or creating a green space at home, in schools, or within the community.
He called upon everyone to join the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” movement and transform every planted sapling into a lasting “Green Promise” for future generations, thereby contributing towards a greener, healthier, and more prosperous Manipur.
The programme was attended by Soreiphy Vashum, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, as guest of honour, Vikram Suresh Nadhe, Divisional Forest Officer,  Forest officers and officials, representatives of Village Authorities, Meira Paibis, local civil society organisations, students, youth volunteers, and members of the public.
Following the function, a mass tree plantation drive was carried out by students, village authorities, Meira Paibis, local residents, CSOs and volunteers.
Saplings of indigenous and ecologically suitable species were planted in and around Chingkhu Mayai Leikai.
The Forest Department reiterated that plantation activities under the 77th Van Mahotsav Celebration, 2026 will continue across all Forest Divisions of the State in collaboration with local communities, educational institutions, Government departments, and voluntary organisations.
Through these coordinated efforts, the Department aims to significantly enhance the State’s forest and tree cover, restore degraded ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and promote a lasting culture of environmental stewardship among the people of Manipur.