It brings great joy to announce that the Department of Environment & Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Administration is commemorating the "75th Van Mahotsav" or "The Festival of Trees" throughout July 2024. This celebration involves active participation from the local community to underscore the importance of forests in our daily lives.

Initially, trees held a revered and sacred place in our cultural ethos. However, over time, complacency set in, prompting the inception of Van Mahotsav. This annual tree planting festival occurs every July and has gained traction among people who now recognize the critical role of tree planting in maintaining a green and healthy planet. Millions of saplings are planted nationwide each year during this festival, yet more efforts are needed to combat global warming effectively.

Founded in 1950 by Shri K. M. Munshi, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Food, Van Mahotsav aims to raise awareness about the vital role of trees and forests in ecological balance, environmental stability, and climate change mitigation. It encourages widespread participation in tree planting activities and highlights the manifold benefits that trees confer on human well-being.

This festival holds significant importance in light of our planet's future amidst rapid population growth and intensive development. Balancing development with environmental preservation remains paramount. Every individual and collective effort to plant trees is a crucial step towards safeguarding our natural environment and securing a sustainable future.

Celebrating Van Mahotsav in every school, community, college, and individual capacity is imperative for nurturing a healthy environment and ensuring the longevity of our planet. I urge the nature-loving people of our Islands to reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship, advocate the 3R principle - Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse - and embrace greener practices for the benefit of current and future generations.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to the people of our Islands for a successful commemoration of the "75th Van Mahotsav" celebrations.

"JAI HIND"

Admiral D K Joshi

PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)

 Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands

& Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency