Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 12 July 2023
In commemoration of the 74th Van Mahotsav, various Ranges under the Forest Department, Nicobar Division organised tree planting programmes, fostering a spirit of environmental conservation and celebrating the importance of trees. The events saw enthusiastic participation from school children, teachers, tribal villagers, government officials, and local communities across several locations within the Nicobar District.
Leading the initiative were the school children and teachers of GPS Campbell Bay, GPS Jetty Bazaar, Campbell Bay, and GSSS Kapanga, Mildera, who actively took part in planting seedlings. Tribal villagers from Car Nicobar, under the guidance of Chief Captain Mr.` Lionald Nicomed and the Tribal Council, also joined in the efforts. Furthermore, representatives from various organisations such as the BRO, Coast Guard, Army Land, PHC Katchal, APWD Car Nicobar, and tribal villagers from Bada Enaka, Kamorta, and Goal Tikrey lent their support to the cause. Additionally, PRI members of Govind Nagar Panchayat and Gram Panchayat Campbell Bay played an active role in the tree planting activities.
During the programmes, the participants were educated about the significance of planting seedlings and the numerous benefits they offer. Officials from the Nicobar Forest Division emphasised the importance of fruit-bearing, flowering, and shade-bearing trees, which were the focus of the planting initiative.
Since the commencement of the campaign on July 7, 2023, a total of 350 seedlings have been planted and distributed across various Islands in the Nicobar District. The species of trees included Guava, Lemon, Cashewnut, Papaya, Amla, Tamarind, Jackfruit, Neem, and Sitaphal, among others. The forest officials highlighted the vital role of nature in our lives and encouraged everyone to actively participate in conserving nature and its resources.
The Van Mahotsav celebrations in Nicobar Division not only contributed to the greening of the region but also fostered a sense of environmental responsibility among the participants. The collective efforts of students, teachers, tribal villagers, government officials, and community members have laid the foundation for a more sustainable and ecologically conscious future in the Nicobar District.