(EKHON)
Ukhrul | July 2, 2025: The Ukhrul Forest Division joined the rest of the country in celebrating the annual Vana Mahotsava 2025 celebrations with a series of plantation drives across the district, reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and expanding green cover. The week-long festival from July 1st to July 7th is 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, symbolizing nurturing and life.
Laishram Gitla, MFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Ukhrul spearheaded the tree plantation drive, emphasizing concrete action in environmental conservation in Jessami Village together with K. Siyo, Range Forest Officer, Jessami, and a dedicated team of field staff. A total of 600 seedlings of indigenous species were planted in and around the village. The event witnessed the presence and active involvement of several key institutions including Jessami Village Council led by Joysingh Wejah, Chairman, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya with students and teachers participating enthusiastically, staff from the Sub-Divisional Office, Jessami, personnel of Manipur Police, Jessami and NHIDCL staff, demonstrating interdepartmental collaboration.
DFO Gitla issued a powerful call to action, transforming the well-known benefits of trees and forests into tangible efforts. The address, delivered by DFO, underscored the urgent need for practical implementation following years of awareness campaigns.
Joysingh Wejah emphasized the crucial role of collective action in safeguarding the environment and highlighted the importance of planting and nurturing trees for a sustainable future.
Parallel plantation programs were also successfully carried out in other key locations. In Yaolen, Litan, the drive was led by Chermishan Asp, Range Forest Officer, Head Quarters, along with a team of forest field staffs, engaging local communities in the green initiative. Around 50 participants came together to contribute to the green mission.
Elaborating on the message, RO HQ, Chermishan, “While we have diligently raised awareness about the significance of forests for years, the time has come for decisive action. My simple message now is: it’s the right time for Action.”Â
The plantation drive also benefited from the presence and encouragement of Ngamreiphy Zimik, Vice President of Tangkhul Shanao Long, who motivated women and youth to become champions of forest protection. The RO HQ extended sincere gratitude to all participating neighboring villages, the Litan Police team led by Lovejoy AS, and Ngamreiphy Zimik, Vice President of TSL, for their invaluable volunteer efforts in today’s initiative. “This collective effort unequivocally demonstrates that actions matter more than words,” a village representative concluded.
Similarly, at Awang Kasom (Ngahui) Junction, Nongmaithem Bikram, Range Forest Officer, Chingai and his team oversaw the plantation efforts, contributing to the broader goal of afforestation. Bikram stressed the collective responsibility of every citizen to protect forests, highlighting that trees not only improve air quality but also provide critical habitat for wildlife, regulate water cycles, and support livelihoods.
The Ukhrul Forest Division urges all citizens, local organizations, and educational institutions to actively participate in the ongoing Vana Mahotsava 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 region.
