Mayabunder, July 2: The 76th Van Mahotsav commenced in Mayabunder, North & Middle Andaman yesterday, aligning with the national celebration of this annual tree-planting festival. The event was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman, Ms. Nandini Maharaj, IAS, who planted a Rudraksh seedling near the Office of Deputy Commissioner as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Other senior officers of the district Administration, including Shri Ashish Joon, Assistant Commissioner (HQ) and CEO, Zilla Parishad, Ms. Lata Hegde Prasad, IFS (Divisional Forest Officer), and Shri G. G. Paul (Tehsildar), also participated by planting various tree species with ecological and medicinal significance.
A subsequent plantation drive took place near the German Jetty, involving retired Forest Department officials and Government Officers from other Departments, emphasizing community engagement in environmental conservation.
The day’s events culminated in a formal ceremony at the Forest Labour Club, featuring cultural performances that promoted the importance of tree planting. Gracing the occasion as the chief guest, the Deputy Education Officer, Mayabunder, Shri Prakash Howladar addressed the gathering, highlighting the vital role of forests in daily life.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Assistant Conservator of Forests, Ms. Monideepa Chowdhury.