Sri Vijaya Puram, July 2: The Department of Environment and Forests launched the Van Mahotsav 2026 celebrations at the Biological Park, Chidiyatapu, with a ceremonial plantation drive, marking the beginning of the nationwide week-long campaign dedicated to tree plantation, environmental conservation and public participation in protecting the unique biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The inaugural programme brought together forest officials, students, teachers and staff members, who planted native tree saplings within the Biological Park premises as part of efforts to promote environmental stewardship and enhance the region’s green cover.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Ravi Horo, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said Van Mahotsav has evolved beyond a tree-planting exercise into a nationwide movement aimed at encouraging collective responsibility towards forest conservation and maintaining ecological balance.
He also highlighted the nationwide campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and appealed to citizens, particularly young people, to actively participate in protecting forests and adopt environmentally sustainable practices. He emphasised the importance of community involvement in preserving the Islands’ fragile ecosystem and rich natural heritage.
The plantation drive witnessed the participation of Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), and Joju P. Alappatt, IFS, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), along with departmental officers, frontline forest personnel, staff members and workers of the Biological Park.
Students and teachers from Government Primary School, Chidiyatapu, also actively participated in the programme, joining forest officials and dignitaries in planting native saplings across the park. The plantation activity symbolised a collective commitment towards strengthening green cover and conserving the distinctive biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
As part of the celebrations, the participating students were taken on an educational tour of the Biological Park to familiarise them with native plant species, wildlife conservation initiatives and the park’s role in biodiversity conservation and environmental education.
The programme forms part of the annual Van Mahotsav campaign, which promotes large-scale tree plantation and encourages public participation in environmental protection across the country. The Department of Environment and Forests has positioned this year’s observance as an opportunity to reinforce awareness about sustainable environmental practices while encouraging greater community involvement in preserving the Islands’ natural ecosystems.
The week-long celebration will continue with activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness, conservation values and public participation in safeguarding the ecological wealth of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
