[ Prafulla Kaman ]
TELAM, Jul 7: As many as 200 saplings of different tree species were planted by forest officials, students, teachers and villagers at the middle school here in Lower Siang district on Saturday to mark the conclusion of the weeklong 69th Van Mahotsav celebration.
The celebration was organized by the Nari territorial forest range office under Pasighat forest division.
Nari Forest Range Officer Omang Moyong explained the importance of Van Mahotsav, and urged the locals to organize plantation drives for a healthy environment.
“Plantation not only helps to maintain greenery and ecosystem but also protects soil erosion, keeps water level intact and even reduces global warming,” she said.
Among others, Deputy Ranger Nitor Kadu, New Telam GB Tade Yomcha, SMC chairman Tumgo Riba, public leader Komnga Karlo and teachers spoke on the necessity of carrying out plantation drives.
In Mebo, forest staff and school children led by Range Officer Obang Tayeng planted 250 saplings at the government LP school in Langko, and its adjoining areas.
The teachers and students of the upper primary school in Depi along with the locals also celebrated Van Mahotsav with a tree plantation programme.
Attending the programme, Nari-Koyu MLA Kento Rina and other leaders urged the students and villagers to take active part in plantation drives.
Taking note of the pathetic condition of the school’s classrooms, the MLA assured to sanction some amount from his LAD fund for the school’s development.
Meanwhile, Likabali Divisional Forest Officer B Taba informed in a press release that more than one thousand saplings were planted by government officials, GBs, students, teachers and others at several parts of Likabali and adjoining areas during the week.
The celebration concluded with a plantation programme and a painting competition at the ME school in Bali.
