Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 July 2025
The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) organized a Mass Tree Plantation Drive and Awareness Rally on the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” as part of the 76th Van Mahotsav celebrations, aiming to promote awareness about the significance of trees in sustaining a greener and healthier planet.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, who flagged off the awareness rally as the chief guest. Dr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Department of Environment and Forests, graced the occasion as the special guest.
The rally, which began at the Botanical Garden, passed through various residential areas and concluded at the Tsunami Shelter in Nayashahar. Students from Nature Camps and NCC cadets of JNRM actively participated in the rally, which also included the distribution of fruit-bearing saplings such as Kokum, Kattaphal, and Mango to residents.
Following the rally, a Mass Tree Plantation drive was carried out at the Dhanikhari Experimental Garden-cum-Arboretum, where native species like Rudraksha were planted. Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, Secretary (Agriculture), A&N Administration, also joined in by planting a sapling.
Interacting with students and participants, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in conserving biodiversity, expanding green cover, and spreading scientific knowledge among the public. He lauded BSI’s contributions in plant conservation and stressed the need for greater community involvement in environmental preservation. He also highlighted the potential for sustainable commercialization of native plant resources such as cinnamon, vanilla, and other economically viable wild fruits and species.
Earlier, Dr. Lal Ji Singh, Additional Director and Regional Head of BSI, welcomed the dignitaries and briefed them about BSI’s role in the survey, documentation, and conservation of the unique plant wealth of the Islands.
The programme concluded with a tree plantation session and a guided tour through the various conservatory sections of the BSI Garden at Nayashahar. (Story Based on PR)
