Van Mahotsav Week 2026, also known as the Festival of Forests, commenced on July 1 in Manipur’s Tamenglong district with a large-scale tree plantation drive and awareness programmes under the national campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0.”
Organised by the Tamenglong Forest Division in collaboration with the District Administration, the week-long event will continue until July 7. This year’s theme, “A Tree Today, A Thousand Smiles Tomorrow,” underscores the importance of environmental conservation through community participation.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Divisional Forest Officer Amit Kaler emphasised the need to actively involve young people in environmental protection, describing them as future ambassadors of the green movement. He noted that increasing incidents of floods and landslides are closely linked to deforestation and urged citizens to plant at least one tree in the name of their mothers under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative.
Kaler assured that the Forest Department would provide saplings and necessary assistance to promote afforestation efforts across the district.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. L. Angshim Dangshawa, IAS, highlighted that despite Tamenglong’s rich forest cover, recurring landslides point to the urgent need for sustained plantation drives. He observed that continuous tree felling has weakened soil retention, making large-scale afforestation essential for environmental protection.
He further noted that while India’s National Forest Policy aims for 33 per cent forest cover, the current national average stands at around 25 per cent. He added that although northeastern states have relatively higher forest cover, continued plantation efforts remain crucial to achieving national environmental goals.
The Deputy Commissioner also encouraged the Forest Department to expand awareness programmes in schools and colleges and suggested organising essay and painting competitions to engage students in conservation activities.
The inaugural programme was attended by Additional Superintendent of Police Josiah Pamei, SDO Tamenglong D. Meidinbui, Range Forest Officer Joel Gangmei, officials of the 6th Assam Rifles, social worker R.K. Lungsangai, as well as students and staff of EMRS, who actively participated in the plantation drive marking the beginning of Van Mahotsav Week 2026.
