Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 03 July 2024
75th Vanmahotsav, a month-long festival celebrating forests and their importance, commenced with an inaugural function at the Nature Park Interpretation Center (NPIC). The event featured the planting of fruit-bearing and medicinal plant seedlings, underscoring the theme of sustainability and ecological balance.
Mr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (ANI) & Chief Wildlife Warden, A & N Islands, led the ceremonial planting, accompanied by senior officers from the Department of Environment & Forests. Also present were staff members and children from Capstone Children Home, Bird Line, who participated enthusiastically in the event.
The plantation ceremony highlighted the significance of tree planting in fostering a sustainable and healthy planet, while promoting the role of forests in maintaining ecological harmony.
Following the tree planting, Mr. Sinha inaugurated the Butterfly Conservatory at NPIC by releasing butterflies, symbolising the harmonious relationship between nature and wildlife.
As part of the day’s activities, an awareness program was organised for the children from Capstone Children Home. This included a field visit to various sections of the Nature Park and Interpretation Center, providing them with hands-on learning experiences about the environment.
The awareness program culminated in a drawing competition on the theme “Save Wildlife.” The competition encouraged the children to express their creativity and reflect on the importance of wildlife conservation.
The inaugural function marked the beginning of a series of events planned for the 75th Vanmahotsav, aiming to inspire community involvement in forest conservation and environmental protection.