ITANAGAR, Jul 5: Marking the celebration of Van Mahotsav, a series of coordinated environmental initiatives unfolded across Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday, reflecting a growing commitment among civil society, educational institutions, and the armed forces towards ecological preservation and sustainability.
In the state capital, a plantation and river cleanup drive was organised by interns from the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) in collaboration with Abralow Memorial Multi-Purpose Society and with support from the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Ltd.
The event, held at Government Secondary School, Chimpu and the banks of Yagamso River in IG Park, saw enthusiastic participation from student volunteers of Dera Natung Government College, Binny Yanga Government Women’s College, and Government College Doimukh.
At Chimpu, saplings were planted with individual nameplates created by the volunteers, who also constructed protective barricades around the young plants using wooden sticks and netting.
During a pledge-taking ceremony led by YMCR convenor Kanku Kabak, volunteers committed to visiting and caring for their trees every two months for one year. School students pledged to nurture the saplings for three years to ensure their long-term survival.
Simultaneously, at IG Park, YMCR interns conducted a river cleanup drive along the Yagamso River, collecting debris and promoting awareness on river conservation.
YMCR vice chairman and internship program supervisor Keyom Doni expressed appreciation for the support extended by the school authorities and praised the commitment of the interns.
He also thanked range forest officer Techi Khilli for providing the saplings and consistently backing YMCR’s green campaigns.
Meanwhile, in Lower Siang district, the Likabali Military Station, in collaboration with the Likabali forest division and district administration, undertook a major tree plantation campaign to mark the 76th Van Mahotsav week.
Held under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” the event saw over 7,000 saplings planted within the Army campus at MES Likabali. An additional 5,000 saplings are scheduled to be planted during the week, while 25,000 saplings will be freely distributed to the public.
Deputy general officer commanding of 56 Infantry Division Brig Sunil Upadhyay, led the plantation drive along with Lt Col A K Singh, senior Army officers, and enthusiastic participation from Army personnel across ranks.
The initiative also drew the presence of deputy commissioner Rujjum Rakshap, and DFO Bajum Taba, who lauded the Army’s proactive role in environmental stewardship.
Brig Upadhyay highlighted the Army’s enduring commitment to safeguarding not only the country but also its natural resources.
“Planting trees today is an investment for future generations, and we are proud to be part of this green mission alongside the civil administration,” he said.
The DC praised the collaboration, stating, “Environmental protection is a shared duty. When the Army, forest department, and civil administration come together like this, we not only plant trees—we plant hope, responsibility, and resilience in the hearts of the people.”
The DFO echoed similar sentiments, calling the initiative “a shining example of synergy between the Armed Forces and civil administration for a greener and more sustainable Arunachal Pradesh.”
The plantation drive included a diverse mix of native and eco-resilient plant species chosen to strengthen local biodiversity and support long-term ecological health.
The Van Mahotsav week celebrations in Lower Siang will conclude on July 7 at Government Higher Secondary School Gensi, with further awareness and engagement programs planned to involve students and community members in ongoing conservation efforts.
