The weeklong celebration of Van Mahotsav 2025, also known as the Festival of Forests, was launched today with a large-scale plantation drive at the 8th Manipur Rifles (MR) complex in Leikun, Chandel district. The inaugural event, organised by the Divisional Forest Office, Chandel, saw the planting of nearly 500 saplings of various species.

Dr. N. Munal Meitei, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Chandel, attended the function as the Chief Guest, while N. Modhunimai Singh, Commanding Officer of 8th MR Leikun, presided over the event.

Over 250 participants, including 8th MR personnel, forest staff, and media representatives, actively took part in the plantation programme held within the complex.

In his address, Dr. Munal Meitei announced that during the weeklong Van Mahotsav celebration, a total of one lakh saplings will be planted at 26 designated locations across Chandel district. The initiative includes afforestation drives, plantation activities, and decorative gardening in collaboration with local volunteers and civil society organisations.

Highlighting the national theme of Van Mahotsav 2025, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, Dr. Munal urged every citizen to plant at least one tree in honour of their mothers. “Planting a tree in our mother’s name symbolises our love and responsibility for future generations and the environment,” he said.

He added that with India’s population at approximately 146 crore, the collective planting of one tree per person could bring about a remarkable ecological transformation. The nationwide target for the campaign is the plantation of 10 crore saplings.

Stressing the critical role of forests and trees, Dr. Munal said, “Without trees, there can be no life. Trees are the ultimate protectors of our planet.” He urged the people of Manipur to actively participate in the movement to plant, conserve, and protect trees for a greener and more sustainable future.