Sri Vijaya Puram, July 31: The Middle Andaman Forest Division, Rangat, on 31st July organized the Valedictory Function of 77th Van Mahotsav 2026, marking the successful conclusion of the month-long festival dedicated to environmental conservation and community participation. Mr. Sushant Padha, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Vikas Swami, IPS, Superintendent of Police, North & Middle Andaman, was the Guest of Honour. Mr. Vikas Yadav, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Middle Andaman, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the successful conduct of plantation drives, awareness programmes, competitions, mini marathon and other activities organized throughout the celebrations. The programme also featured vibrant cultural performances by the students of Vivekananda Kendra Zilla Parishad Vidyalaya, Rangat and St. Xavier’s School, Rangat, along with thought-provoking skits by the students of ITI Bakultala and the staff and workers of the Middle Andaman Forest Division.
The ceremony was also graced by Mr. Deepanshu Vohra, Assistant Commissioner, Rangat, Mr. Mahendra Singh Charan, SDPO Rangat and other distinguished guests including PRI Members and Head of Departments. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Sushant Padha, IAS emphasized that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility and called upon every citizen to actively contribute towards protecting forests and nurturing the trees planted during Van Mahotsav. The Superintendent of Police, Mr. Vikas Swami, IPS highlighted the importance of collective community participation in safeguarding natural resources and encouraged the younger generation to become ambassadors of environmental protection. In his address, the Divisional Forest Officer expressed gratitude to all Government Departments, educational institutions, PRI members, volunteers, and the general public for their wholehearted support in making 77th Van Mahotsav 2026 a grand success. The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions, presentation of mementos to the dignitaries, and a vote of thanks, reaffirming the collective commitment towards preserving the rich forests and biodiversity of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
