The Ukhrul District Forest Division on Thursday celebrated the 76th Van Mahotsav 2025 at Ilongshim, Hungpung, Ukhrul under the theme “Plant Trees, Save Trees”. The event also witnessed the presence of Brand Ambassadors of 76th Van Mahotsav Celebration 2025, Miss Esme S Shaiza and Miss Disti Athokpam Devi, reigning queen and first runner up of Miss Shirui Lily 2025.
The celebration was attended by Gaithaolu Thaimei (IFS), Chief Consevator of Forest, Manipur as chief guest, Asish Das (IAS), Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul as guest of honour and Laishram Gitla (MFS), DFO of Ukhrul as functional president.
Speaking at the occasion, Gaithaolu Thaimei (IFS), stated that “Manipur is a forest-based economy, the economic development mainly comes from forest products. Timber as a forest produce which is used for furniture, construction and industries raw material for veneer and plywood factories are extracted from teak, kheu, pine, leihao, walnut, veneer yangou and khangra. Another alternate for timer is bamboo. FSI report indicates that an area of 7, 51,000 hectares are covered with bamboo and contribute a green weight amounting to 11.32 MT. Essential oils products like citronella, lemon grass, agarwood oil for cosmetic industries / beauty products-skin care, hair care can also be taken up. Food based products like wild fruit juice, squash, candies, spices, etc can also be added. In Manipur, 200 VDVKs numbering about 60,000 beneficiaries are impacting the 3 lakh lives. In Ukhrul, there are 27 VDVKs consisting of 8100 beneficiaries and impacting 40, 500 lives.”
She further continued, “to tap these potential, we need MSMEs in the forest based industries to integrate into the supply chain of both National and nternational level. We also need to augment the supply of raw material by plantation in a scientific manner. We need to optimise land use. Traditionally, area is demarcated for settlement, uyok, catchment area, income generation activity areas, etc. We need proper micro level planning. Jhum land needs feasible agroforestry models. We can also attract nature tourism, adventure tourism and ecotourism. Camping, sunset-sunrise point, trekking, hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, angling, para-gliding, mountain biking, educational tourism, wildlife sighting, bird watching, caves, waterfall etc are some of the activities that we can promote in our land. Promotion of such tourism in Mission Mode will give a boost to the growth of taxi services, helicopter services, rope ways, home stays, eco-lodges, nature guides, tourist police, hospitality and telecommunication. This will automatically increase in employment generation, promote local arts and crafts, preserve cultural heritage, foster cultural exchange and integration. Thereby attracting National or Global investors resulting in better roads, development of hotels, resorts and other infrastructure.
We need more forest centric policies where we balance both economic growth, environment sustainability and community development. She appeals to all stakeholders particularly, students & youth to join hands with Ukhrul Forest Division to plant as many seedlings to make Van Mahotsav and Ed Ped Maa Ke Naam a success.
Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Asish Das appeals to the populace of Ukhrul to plant more trees and protect the trees to make Manipur greener. “This celebration is a poignant reminder of the invaluable gift of nature. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the challenges we faced, the impacts of deforestation, climate change and the urgent need for sustainable conservation” added Asish Das.
DFO of Ukhrul, Gitla Laishram stated that “you are the true custodians of our forests and the heartbeat of our conservation efforts. Your active participation and dedication are crucial to the success of Van Mahotsav and our ongoing greening initiatives. This year, the 76th Van Mahotsav carries a deeply meaningful theme: “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0″ – Plant a tree in the name of our own beloved mother, alive or dead. This theme resonates deeply with our cultural values, where the earth is revered as Mother Earth, a life-giver and nurturer. Just as a mother selflessly cares for her children, trees nurture our planet, providing us with the very essence of life – oxygen, clean air, clean water, and a stable ecosystem. This year, our focus is not just on planting trees, but on nurturing them, ensuring their survival and growth. Let us use this Van Mahotsav as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Mother Nature. Let us pledge to plant more trees, protect existing forests, and spread awareness about the critical role they play in our lives.”
Plantation for development of MIYAWAKI (Micro Forest) took place at Hungpung Vashimtang. Around 2000 seedlings comprising of indegenous tumber, fruit and ornamental sapling species were planted. The tree species include Wild olive, Lemon, Jackfruit, Gulmohor, Wild apple, Tairen, Uyung, Yongchak, Gooseberry, Thuja compacta and Tolhao.
The celebration was also attended by Polly Makan (MCS) ADM of Ukhrul, David Kashungnao (MCS) CEO-ADC Ukhrul, Ngamreiwung Luithui, SDO of LM Block, Roland Ningshen, SDO of Chingai Block, Thaimei Badan, ZEO of Ukhrul, Ringthing Hongchui (MPS) Additional SP of Ukhrul, Thotreithing Chalamvah (MPS) Deputy Commandant of 6th MR, Garnish Kashung, Executive Engineer PWD-Ukhrul, Rajesh Kumar, Commandant of BSF, Major Abhishek Grewal, Wino Post Commader 18 Assam Rifles, Horeisung Khamrang of DMM of Ukhrul (MSRLM/NRLM) and Chonchuirinmayo Luithui, Central Administrator of One Stop Centre, Ukhrul. The President of Tangkhul Shanao Long, Thingreiphy Lungharwoshi and President of Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Ramreichan Keishing and other Tangkhul CSOs also attended the celebration.
