Imphal: The Ukhrul Forest Division took home the top state honor for the most saplings planted under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0 campaign. Officials presented the award at the 77th Van Mahotsav 2026 finale held at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho handed the trophy to Ukhrul Divisional Forest Officer Laishram Gitla.
Ukhrul crews put 431,493 saplings in the ground between June 5 and July 14. This effort relied on help from village authorities, NGOs, churches, security forces, and youth groups. Notably, Water Resource Conservation Groups from 23 villages under the COSFOM project provided a massive boost to the operation. These groups focused on springshed restoration, watershed management, and biodiversity.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the event to mark a state-wide drive that saw 15 lakh saplings planted in just two weeks. He noted that deforestation has drastically altered Manipur's climate. Khemchand Singh inspected booths displaying forest products and fire-fighting gear before performing a ceremonial watering of an Uthambal sapling destined for Churachand Higher Secondary School.
Gitla praised the volunteers who made the feat possible. She highlighted the role of collective action in environmental success. “The award we have received is a direct testament to the hard work, dedication and unwavering collective effort of the people of Ukhrul. This success truly belongs to them,” Gitla said. She asked residents to keep watch over the new trees and offered free replacement seedlings for any that fail to survive.
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