Imphal: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla planted a tree sapling on Monday at Kangla Fort complex as part of the Nationwide Campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0.”
The Governor proceeded to the City Convention Centre for the Grand Finale event of the 76th Van Mahotsav, 2025. During the event, he felicitated prize winners of painting competition, individuals who helped the administration voluntarily in fighting forest fire, distributed tree saplings to student representatives from various districts and also released a commemorative publication.
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. He 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.
He 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.
