(EKHON)
Ukhrul | July 3, 2025: The 76th Van Mahotsav 2025 celebration, themed “Plant Trees, Save Trees — Lend a Hand to Make Our Manipur Greener,” was held at Vashimtang, Hungpung, recognizing the community’s ongoing conservation efforts. Organized by the Ukhrul Forest Division, the weeklong event highlighted the importance of environmental conservation.
Chief guest Gaithaolu Thaimei, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Manipur, delivered a keynote address highlighting this year’s theme, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” encouraging people to plant trees in honor of their mothers. She emphasized Manipur’s forest-based economy, driven by timber, bamboo, essential oils, and non-timber forest products. Thaimei stressed the need to develop MSMEs in forest-based industries, promote ecotourism, and undertake scientific plantations.
DFO Ukhrul Leishram Gitla Devi encouraged youth participation in afforestation drives, while Deputy Commissioner Asish Das left an impressive message, entrusting the forest’s future to the younger generation. The event featured Miss Esme Shaiza Singh, Miss Shirui Lily 2025, and Miss Disti Athokpam, symbolizing the youth’s role in environmental advocacy.
The event was participated by the Vashimtang locals, led by Sub-Headman VS Vareingam and his committee members. Notably, the Vashimtang community has been proactive in conservation efforts since the late 1980s, collaborating with the Forest Division to protect their forest cover.
Initially, they had implemented seasonal restrictions on hunting, fishing, and tree felling. However, for the past three years, the community has taken a stronger stance, imposing an absolute ban on activities that harm the forest and its ecosystem. Today, a significant portion of Hungpung Village’s forest cover falls under Vashimtang’s jurisdiction, showcasing their dedication to environmental conservation.
The Vashimtang Sub-Headman and committee members are open to initiatives that will promote ecotourism and nature-based tourism, such as trekking, birdwatching and camping, given the area’s rich forest resources. They appealed the authorities’ support in developing infrastructure, particularly road connectivity, to facilitate these endeavors.
The event drew a diverse range of attendees, including officials from various departments such as ADC Ukhrul, CEO UADC, Ukhrul, ZEO, and SDOs. Security forces like the Additional SP Ukhrul, Assam Rifles Ukhrul Town Post Commander, and CO of the 6th Manipur Rifles were also present. Leaders from TSL, district-level officers (DLOs), and local well-wishers also joined the Vashimtang locals.
The celebration concluded with a mass tree plantation drive at Phungrei-Vashimtang. The weeklong 76th Van Mahotsav is a nationwide celebration to plant trees and nurture forest cover.
