Rangat, July 31: The Middle Andaman Forest Division, Rangat, today organized the valedictory function of 77th Van Mahotsav 2026, marking the conclusion of the month-long festival dedicated to environmental conservation and community participation. Shri Sushant Padha, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Shri Vikas Swami, IPS, Superintendent of Police, North & Middle Andaman, was the Guest of Honour. The ceremony was also graced by Shri. Deepanshu Vohra, Assistant Commissioner, Rangat, Shri. Mahendra Singh Charan, SDPO Rangat and other distinguished guests including PRI Members and Head of Departments.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner, emphasized that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility and called upon every citizen to actively contribute towards protecting forests and nurturing the trees planted during Van Mahotsav.
The Superintendent of Police, Shri. Vikas Swami, IPS highlighted the importance of collective community participation in safeguarding natural resources and encouraged the younger generation to become ambassadors of environmental protection. Shri Vikas Yadav, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Middle Andaman, highlighted the successful conduct of plantation drives, awareness programmes, competitions, mini marathon and other activities organized throughout the celebrations. The programme also featured vibrant cultural performances by the students of Vivekananda Kendra Zilla Parishad Vidyalaya, Rangat and St. Xavier’s School, Rangat, along with thought-provoking skits by the students of ITI Bakultala and the staff and workers of the Middle Andaman Forest Division.
The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions organised during the month-long festival.