Imphal: Manipur wrapped up the 77th Van Mahotsav celebration today at Imphal’s City Convention Centre. The event joined forces with the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0 campaign. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh reported that government agencies, security forces, civil society groups, and students planted 1.5 million saplings across the state in just two weeks. Khemchand warned that deforestation has caused drastic climate shifts. He watered a ceremonial Uthambal sapling, which will move to the Churachand Higher Secondary School.
The Chief Minister inspected forest fire equipment and various forest products on display. Dignitaries present included Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, PCCF Anuraj Bajpai, and Manipur University Vice Chancellor Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam. Arjuna Awardee Naorem Roshibina Devi also attended the event. The state government organized the program to teach residents about the value of trees for future generations.
The Ukhrul Forest Division claimed the top award for the maximum number of saplings planted. They set a massive record by putting 431,493 saplings in the ground between June 5 and July 14, 2026. Ukhrul Divisional Forest Officer Laishram Gitla accepted the trophy from Losii Dikho. Gitla credited the success to village authorities, churches, youth groups, and self-help groups. Water Resource Conservation Groups from 23 villages also played a lead role in the campaign.
Gitla called on locals to guard the young trees against destruction. She said, "environmental conservation can only succeed through community ownership and partnership." The DFO urged citizens to replace any dead seedlings next year. This achievement cements Ukhrul as a leader in community-driven forest protection for the state.
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