Imphal, July 06: The State Government today observed the 56th Vanmahotsava, 2005 with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh leading the people in planting tree saplings on either side of road of Palace compound.

Organised under the aegis of State Forest Department, Forest Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment Saichuana and other officials of the Departments were also present at the occasion.

The 56th Vanmahotsava observance was also held at all the district headquarters of the State.

It may be mentioned here that the observance of Vanamahotsava was held for the first time in 1950 under the initiative of the then Union Agriculture Minister KM Munshi with the main preserving the environment and eco-system.

Meanwhile, the results of the on the spot essay writing competition organised by the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests on June 26 last in connection with the observance of 56th Vanamahotsava, 2005 have been declared.

In the category-I (upto class VIII) of the competition held under the topic of Umangee Kanaba, T Paroshini Devi Ananda Purna School, Thoubal, S Elora Chanu of KM Blooming English School, Khangabok and Kh Romeo Singh also of KM Blooming English School won the first, the second and the third positions respectively.

In the category-II (class IX to XII), Mathew Baite of Churachand Higher Secondary School, Imphal; Md Arif Khan of KM Blooming English School and his school mate S Kisan Singh secured the first, the second and the third position respectively.

The competition was held under the topic of �Preservation of forests for posterity and ecological balance�.

Army eco drive: The Army in conjunction with district administration and DFO, Churachandpur as part of van mahaotsav being celebrated throughout the country, launched a affroestation drive in the district.

The army distributed 3500 saplings to the localities of Churachandpur town, villages of Lamzang, Muallam, Thinghat, Hengkot, Tullaphal and Pangsang with the active participation of village chiefs and ex-servicemen, said a press release of PIB (DW).

Comment