Port Blair, July 10: As part of the 65th Vanmahotsava celebrations, a ceremonial tree planting programme was organized at the Mahatma Gandhi International School, Brookshabad here today by the Department of Forests & Environment. The Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A. K. Singh as the chief guest of the function planted an ‘Ashoka’ sapling at the precincts of the school.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor expressed his happiness that the Department of Environment & Forests is celebrating the 65th Vanmahotsava aimed at protecting the existing forests and adding to the ecology of these Islands. Expressing his appreciation that about 94% of our landmass is covered with forest, deemed forests and mangroves, the Lt Governor said “we should be proud of our rich wildlife, environment and forests cover”. Besides, we have 96 sanctuaries, 6 wildlife reserves and 1 biosphere reserve, which, he said is unique and not seen in any of the States of the country, he added.
Underlining the need for research for optimising the forest wealth for the benefit of the people of the Islands, so as to develop harmony between the forests and the human population. The Lt. Governor directed the PCCF and his team to create a research unit to examine various options and technologies available today to optimize the forest wealth, whilst keeping ecological concerns to the fore.
The Lt. Governor concluded his speech by conveying a strong message that “it is very easy for us to live for today but as responsible citizens of the society it is our responsibility to look towards the future so that the coming generations inherit a good environment”.
In his brief speech on the occasion, the Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash said Vanmahotsava celebration is an important part of the Forest Department’s gamut of action. It is imperative that we protect and preserve our forest for the progress and prosperity of these Islands, he added. The Chairperson PBMC, Shri K. Ganeshan, senior officers from Defence and Civil Administration, officers from Forest Department and students & teachers of MGIS were also present.
Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the PCCF, Department of Environment & Forests, Dr. Shashi Kumar said the main objective of celebrating Vanmahotsava is to save the existing forest cover and its extension through afforestation drives involving people from all walks of life.
The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Principal Mahatma Gandhi International School, Shri Shiva Kumar.
