Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 29 July 2024
In a significant stride towards environmental conservation, HumaneTouch, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Forest, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, successfully conducted the second edition of their Mass Tree Plantation event under the theme “Shades for Life.” The day-long initiative took place on July 27, 2024, across 15 different locations within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marking a notable community effort in promoting greenery and ecological awareness.
The event saw distinguished guests and local officials participating actively. Mr. Ashwin Parihar, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, graced the event as the chief guest at Crescent Public School Nayapuram campus. Other notable guests included Mr. P. Basheer, Pradhan of Kanyapuram, and Mr. Soundra Pandian, ACF, who were honoured at the same venue.
In Car Nicobar, the tree planting was held at Edward Kuchat Park, Perka, with Mr. Singh Piyush Vijakaran, Assistant Commissioner, leading the proceedings as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Vijay Kumar, SDPO, Car Nicobar, as the guest of honour.
At Mayabunder, the District and Session Court premises turned greener with Mr. Tarun Kumar Mondal, CJM, District & Sessions Court Mayabunder, and Sandhya Prasad, Range Officer, leading the initiative. The planting at Wimberlygunj was presided over by Dr. Manoharan, DEO, at the premises of the Deputy Education Office.
Further, the Sagritara Public School in Port Blair welcomed new saplings with Mrs. Amar Devi, councillor of Ward No-7, and school officials as guests of honour. Additional plantings took place at various educational institutions and community centres across Mannarghat, Lambapahar, and Hutbay, witnessing community leaders and school principals taking the lead.
The enthusiasm for greening the Islands extended to Bambooflat, Swaraj Dweep, Baratang, Kadamtala, Diglipur, Campbell Bay, and Nancowry, where local communities came together to plant saplings in a unified display of commitment to the environment.
This widespread tree plantation drive not only underscores the commitment of HumaneTouch and the Department of Environment and Forest towards environmental stewardship but also highlights the collective effort of the islanders in fostering a sustainable future. The initiative was further enriched by the enthusiastic participation of HumaneTouch members and local well-wishers, ensuring its grand success across the Islands.