The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) conducted a mass tree plantation drive and an awareness rally yesterday to mark the 76th Van Mahotsav under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.” The event aimed to promote awareness about the importance of trees for a greener and healthier planet.
Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, flagged off the awareness rally as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Department of Environment & Forests, who attended as the special guest. The programme also saw the participation of Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, Secretary (Agriculture), A&N Administration, who joined in the plantation drive by planting a sapling.
A key highlight of the event was the mass planting of native tree species, including Rudraksha saplings, at the Dhanikhari Experimental Garden-cum-Arboretum. The awareness rally, which began from the Botanical Garden, saw participation from students of Nature Camp and NCC cadets from JNRM. The rally passed through several residential areas before culminating at the Tsunami Shelter in Nayashahar, where fruit-bearing saplings, such as Kokum, Kattaphal, and Mango, were distributed to the public.
During his interaction with the students, the Chief Secretary emphasized the collective responsibility in preserving biodiversity and enhancing green cover. He also highlighted the need for widespread dissemination of scientific knowledge to promote sustainable environmental practices. Additionally, he lauded BSI’s ongoing conservation efforts and discussed the untapped commercial potential of plant resources like cinnamon, vanilla, and other wild fruits.
Earlier, Dr. Lal Ji Singh, Additional Director & Regional Head of BSI, welcomed the dignitaries and gave a brief overview of the institute’s role in surveying, documenting, and conserving the plant wealth of the islands. The event concluded with a tree plantation and a guided tour of the conservatory sections at the BSI Garden in Nayashahar.
