International Day of Forests celebrated widely
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 21 2025: The Forest Department, Government of Manipur, today celebrated International Day of Forests 2025 at the Imperial Hall, Classic Grande, Chingmeirong, Imphal, with the theme "Celebrating Forests and Foods" .

According to a release issued by Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division, Imphal, the annual event was organised to raise awareness about the vital role forests play in sustaining ecosystems, ensuring food security, and promoting the overall well-being of communities.

The celebration was attended by key dignitaries, including Anurag Bajpai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF, and Additional Chief Secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industries and TA&Hills); Arun Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary (Forest, Environment & Climate Change); and Soreiphy Vashum, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Administration & Planning).

The event commenced with the watering of the Heirengoi plant ceremony.

The ceremony symbolized the commitment to environmental conservation and the sustainable management of forest resources.

Welcome address was delivered by R K Amarjit Singh, Conservator of Forests Central Circle and Special Secretary Forests, Environment And Climate Change, highlighting the role of communities and JFMC members in forest conservation.

Delivering the keynote address, Anurag Bajpai emphasized the significance of forests in maintaining biodiversity and enhancing food systems.

Arun Kumar Sinha elaborated on the pressing challenges including climate change and rising temperature.

The event also included the inspection of an exhibition that highlighted the importance of forests in the region, showcasing various forestbased products and initiatives.

Participants were provided with an opportunity to explore the vital relationship between forests and food security.

The exhibition included stalls from all across the districts of Manipur.

VDVK members also showcased the products developed by them.

A short film on Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) was screened, demonstrating how forest-based food products have helped improve the economic conditions of local communities.

The celebration also featured two technical sessions-"Food Security through Forests" presented by Romabai Waikhom, DFO, Bishnupur and "Employment Opportunities in Forests" by Debala Leiphrakpam, CF/Eastem Circle, Chairman FDA (Kamjong/Tengnoupal/Chandel).

The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Vikram Suresh Nadhe, DFO/Central Forest Division.

AIMS

The CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, jointly celebrated the International Forest Day 2025 at Kongba Nandeibam Leikai, Imphal East on the theme, "Forests and Food".

As per a release issued by AIMS, the function highlighted the pivotal role of forests in maintaining and enhancing the food supply.

Dr Atom Sunil Singh, Director, AIMS delivered the keynote address highlighting the need for sustainable forest management to ensure food security and climate resilience.

Prof Hanjabam Shukhdeba Sharma, Director, CDC, Manipur University spoke about the educational measures required to introduce forest conservation as a part of the curriculum of schools and universities to create a new generation of environmental guardians.

Dr S Manikanta Singh, retired Additional Director, Health Services, Manipur provided information on the health advantages of forest foods, which are critical sources of nutrients and can contribute to the eradication of malnutrition.

Dr RK Ranjan.

ex-Union Minister of State, External Affairs and Education, also attended the event as the chief guest along with Dr Rajkumar Chingkhei, Environmental Science, Dhanamanjuri University; Dr Sagolsem Kulachandra Singh; and Prof H Birkumar Singh, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NEIST.

During the programme, 50 Garbage E-Rickshaws under the CSR initiative of Oil India were distributed to the different local clubs of Manipur.

DM University

The Department of Environmental Science, Dhanamanjuri University also celebrated International Day of Forest at the central hall of DM College of Science today.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including L Joykumar, Chief Conservator of Forest, Type 1; Prof L Hemchandra, Dean, School of Life Sciences, DMU; Rojendrakumar Nongthomba, Finance Officer, DMU; Prof M Bhubhaneshwari, Principal, DM College of Science; Prof Koijam KK Mani Bhushan Singh, PG Head, Department of Environmental Sciences; and Dr Naorem Sarita, UG Head, Department of Environmental Sciences.

Opening of QR Code System of the Environmental Science Department, presentation of drama, song and plantation of tree saplings were the main highlights of the event.

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