Port Blair, Aug 4: In a remarkable display of collective commitment to environmental sustainability, large-scale neem plantation drive is organized across Amrit Sarovar sites in the UT of A&N Islands so called as ‘Arista Amrit Sarovar Project’, as per the directions of Chief Secretary, A & N Administration. The initiative, that underscores the region's dedication to enhancing green cover and promoting overall ecological balance was undertaken across all districts under the guidance of Secretary (RD).

The ongoing mass plantation drive has been achieved through the concerted efforts of Rural Development Department of A & N Administration and the MGNREGA team and has seen the active participation of a broad spectrum of stakeholders including local villagers, Pradhans of respective Gram Panchayats, other PRI members, Panchayat Secretaries, Govt. Officials from Departments like Revenue, Forest, Agriculture, Police to name a few. The participation of Assistant Commissioner of Rangat Sub-Division has also been witnessed during the Neem Plantation drive around Amrit Sarovar of Gram Panchayat Parnasala.

The initiative highlights a significant community effort and exemplifies the power of collaboration in advancing environmental goals. By planting neem trees, the program not only contributes to the efforts to conserve local biodiversity and promote sustainable development but also aims to tap into the various benefits of neem- called ‘Arista’ in Sanskrit meaning ‘perfect, complete and imperishable’. Neem has shown remarkable potential in environmental conservation, pest management and medicine.

The initiative is also in line with the Government of India’s direction to conduct mass plantation drives as part of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.