IMPHAL : Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla planted a tree sapling today at Kangla Fort Complex as part of the Nationwide Campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”. After that Governor proceeded to the City Convention Centre for the Grand Finale event of 76th Van Mahotsav, 2025.

During the event, the Governor felicitated prize winners of the painting competition, individuals who helped the administration voluntarily in fighting forest fires, distributed tree saplings to student representatives from various districts and also released a commemorative publication.

Speaking at the event, the Governor highlighted Manipur’s rich ecological heritage and the biodiversity of the hill regions and acknowledged the role of traditional forest conservation practices maintained by indigenous communities.

Governor stressed that the threats of deforestation, unsustainable resource use, and climate change, are real and immediate, and urged citizens to act today, not tomorrow. He emphasized that planting a tree is one of the most effective tools against the climate crisis.

This year’s Van Mahotsav also coincided with the launch of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, a nationwide initiative introduced by the Prime Minister of India,  Narendra Modi, whose visionary call aims to inspire every citizen to plant a tree in honour of their mother and as a heartfelt tribute to Mother Earth, the Governor added.

Governor lauded the commendable efforts of the Forest Department for successfully planting over 13 lakh tree saplings across 16 districts within a week. He also appreciated the department’s innovation of using recycled plastic bottles for fencing the saplings and encouraged its wider adoption across the state as a sustainable and eco-friendly model.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to safeguard forests, protect rivers and hills, and promote a greener Manipur. The Governor called upon every household to plant at least one tree and nurture it throughout the years as a symbol of gratitude, responsibility and hope.

PCCF Anurag Bajpai, officers, teachers, students and community leaders among others attended the event.

One refugee from Myanmar’s Tahan town, who had taken refuge in Zokhawthar and went to Khawmawi for daily labour on Saturday, drowned in the Tiau River while fleeing to Mizoram and has yet to be located, the local leader added.

Meanwhile, the central committee of the Young Mizo Association (CYMA), the largest civil society organisation in Mizoram, mediated between the Hualngoram People’s Organisation (HPO) and the CNO on Saturday evening to restore peace in the region, a leader said.

CYMA general secretary Malsawmliana said that the two organisations agreed to a ceasefire and to settle the dispute amicably.

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