Chandigarh.12th July,2021: The word Van Mahotsav refers to tree-plantation ceremony, which is celebrated every year, in the month of July, to inculcate among the general public the need for growing trees and nurturing them. Van Mahotsav-2021, was launched today by planting tree sapling at Reserve Forest area near Police Line, Sector-26, Chandigarh by Shri V.P. Singh Badnore, Honble Governor of Punjab & the Administrator, UT Chandigarh.
During the occasion, the Chief Guest flagged off vehicles designed for free distribution of saplings by Forest Department, Chandigarh titled “वन विभाग आपके द्वार” (Forest Department at your Door Steps). Thereafter, he also launched the Van Mahotsav-2021 by planting a ‘Jamun’ sapling during the ceremonial plantation done in presence of Senior Officers of the Administration, Forest Department employees and NCC cadets.
Sh. Dharam Pal, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Shri Arun Kumar Gupta, IAS, Home Secretary-cum-Principal Secretary (Forests), Shri Debendra Dalai, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests & Dr.Abdul Qayum, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests and other officers of the Administration also planted saplings to commemorate the Van Mahotsav-2021. The aforesaid events were held by following all COVID safety protocols.
On this occasion, Honble Governor appreciated the efforts of the Department for maintaining the greenery and urges the people to take part in this Van Mahotsava-2021 with full enthusiasm by following all COVID safety protocols. He further asked the Department to enrich the existing forest area with more native species.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dharam Pal, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator congratulated the efforts of the Department in creating public awareness towards plantation of trees in the City Beautiful.
Shri Arun Kumar Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary (Forests) appreciated the scheme of free distribution of plants/saplings to general public. He also encouraged people to plant more and more plants in the city.
Shri Debendra Dalai, IFS, CCF informed that as per Greening Chandigarh Action Plan 2021-22, total 1,75,000 saplings will be planted in a phased manner on government and available private land and 80,000 saplings are being distributed by Forest Department free of cost to the citizens of Chandigarh.
He further added that the scheme of free distribution of plants/saplings to general public without any formal application is a step towards easing the governance in forest. Three vehicles are specially designed for free distribution of saplings. The timing of the distribution of plants/saplings door-to-door by Forest Dept, UT Chandigarh is from (12/07/2021 to 29/07/2021 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM). One can receive up to 05 plants from the department for his/her choice of species without any charges through this moving vehicle. The schedule of movement of the Van is available at https://chandigarhforest.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Schedule-of-movement-of-Van-2021.pdf . The citizens can also contact the vehicles through the Contact Nos.97801-80238, 79862-64894 & 93571-48202.
Dr.Abdul Qayum, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests expressing his thanks to the dignitaries stated that the ceremonial planting by Honble Governor and other Senior Officers shall further motivate the Department to work with more dedication and commitment.
