Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 07 July 2024
In a unique initiative promoting both environmental conservation and women empowerment, the Middle Andaman Forest Division organized a ceremonial tree planting program as part of the Van Mahotsava celebration. The event, held at the Forest Labour Club campus in Bakultala, featured an inaugural function and a mass tree planting activity with significant involvement from local school students and esteemed women citizens.
Sixteen eminent women from local villages were specially invited as guests of honour. They actively participated in the inaugural function and symbolically planted seedlings, marking their commitment to both the environment and the empowerment of women.
Students from Government Senior Secondary School, Bakultala, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Panchawati, along with their teachers, participated with great enthusiasm. They planted seedlings and performed a cultural program, emphasizing the importance of Van Mahotsava.
Key local officials, including Heads of Offices, officials from various departments, and PRI members, also attended the event and planted seedlings.
Mr. Thomas Varghese, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Middle Andaman Division, addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of forests and sustainable conservation practices. Mrs. Sita Majhi, Pramukh, Rangat, and Mrs. Madhura Ekka, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Sabari, shared their insights and experiences with the students.
The program began with a welcome address by Mr. Anil Saha, ACF (MA). Special invitees were honoured with mementos presented by the Tehsildar, Rangat, Deputy Education Officer, Rangat, Assistant Director of Agriculture, and other Forest Department officers.