Van Mahotsav 2026 Week-Long Celebration Launched in Churachandpur

As celebrated in other parts of the country, Churachandpur Forest Division, todaylaunched a Week-long Van Mahotsav, 2026 at Saikot Community Hall, with the theme “A Tree Today, A Thousand Smiles Tomorrow”. The programme was organized under the banner “The Green Promise - Let us Plant more & more trees together & Celebrate Van Mahotsav 2026” to strengthen collective commitment towards a greener and more sustainable future.

The launching programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar, IAS; Divisional Forest Officer Abhijith K.V, IFS; Smt. Esther Laltankim Serto, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Administration & Planning-cum-Nodal Officer, Van Mahotsav; Forest officials; Village Authority; Students and local people of Churachandpur district.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner, Krishna Kumar, IAS emphasized that protecting forests, rivers and wildlife is the constitutional duty of every citizen. He urged youth and village communities to lead plantation drives for clean air, water and sustainable development for future generations.

Divisional Forest Officer, Churachandpur Abhijith K.V, IFS stated that the plantation movement aims to build a greener tomorrow amid challenges of forest cover loss and soil erosion in Churachandpur district. He appreciated the village authority for extending enthusiastic support to the initiative. Smt. Esther Laltankim Serto, IFS, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of trees and forest protection.

During the programme, the DC and DFO led a mass tree plantation drive by planting saplings at Saikot Community Hall premises. The plantation drive marked the beginning of Van Mahotsav 2026 activities across Churachandpur district.

As part of the programme, the dignitaries distributed prizes along with Certificates of Appreciation and cash awards to Thanggoumang Lhungdim of Class X, St. Mary’s Hr Sec School; Lunkholen Khongsai of Class XII, Conflate Academy; and Moses Thangminlun of Class IX, St. Mary’s Hr Sec School, winners of the District Level On-the-Spot Painting Competition held in connection with International Day for Biological Diversity, 2026. (DIO Ccpur)