Correspondents
Kokrajhar: The week-long 70th Van Mahotsov was observed at Ultapani village in Kokrajhar with various programmes among the villagers. The 135 Bn Eco Task Force observed the Van Mahotsov by planting 500 saplings of fruit bearing saplings for raising of community orchard at Ultapani village. Local villagers, jawans of 135 Bn Eco Task Task Force and forest officials participated in the plantation drive, which was inaugurated by senior most citizens in the village. Various plants like jamun, kathal, jalpai, amla, leteku, litchi and jackfruit were planted. Commanding Officer of 135 Bn (Territorial Army) Eco Task Force, K Sarkar, Range Officer of Ultapani forest range, Diren Basumatary, local villagers and others participated in the programme.
Commanding Officer of 135 Bn (Territorial Army) Eco Task Force, K Sarkar said that plantation drive was organized in the forest fringe areas to educate the people about the conservation of forest. The community orchard will be additional source of livelihood towards economic sustenance.
“The unit has taken an initiative to contribute towards sustenance for economic and livelihood. The community orchard is a collection of fruit-bearing trees in a public space. Besides, the orchard can make an ordinary park or green space into community centre,” he said. As part of the celebration, free saplings were also distributed to the villagers by the Ultapani range under Haltugaon Forest Division department.
Haflong: With the rest of the country, the week-long celebration of 70th Vana Mahotsav was inaugurated at Sibraipur near Kalachand, 15 km from Maibang in Dima Hasao district on Monday. The inaugural function was attended by Samuel Changsan, Executive Member, N C Hills Autonomous Council, as chief guest while Nandita Gorlosa, EM, Golonjo Thaosen, EM, Nojit Kemprai, MAC, Ratan Jarambusa, MAC, Monjit Naiding, MAC, Bijit Langthasa, MAC, Padmanav Baruah, SDPO, as the guests of honour. From the Forest Department, Chief Conservator of Forest, M Tungnung, DFOs Ramen Das, N Jeme and Tunu Langthasa along with a large number of forest officials were present in the function.
The day started with the ceremonial plantation of saplings by guests, invitees and dignitaries and as many as 15 gaon buras from neighbouring villages. This was followed by distribution of saplings to the villagers. In this connection, a well-attended public meeting was also held wherein all the speakers emphasized the importance of conservation of forest and water. Chief guest Samuel Changsan, while stressing the importance of conservation of trees and water, disclosed that now most of the schemes would add plantation and conservation of water under job card. He also appealed to all departments to come forward in this noble cause of conservation of water and trees. Changsan also said that Prime Minister Modi and the NCHAC were committed for betterment of the society. He expressed concern over the depletion of forests which was causing water crisis. Earlier, CCF Tungnung explained the aims and objectives of the celebration of Vana Mahotsav.