NONGPOH: The office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Ri-Bhoi Social Forestry Division celebrated the Van Mahotsav or the annual tree-planting festival at Umtngam village in Ri-Bhoi on Friday. As many as 500 saplings were planted in the village and agricultural land around even as an awareness programme was held on the occasion.
The Forest department chose Umtngam village for the programme as the area is home to the migratory Amur falcons during October-November every year and hence maintaining the greenery in the area becomes a priority.
Speaking on the occasion Divisional Forest Officer, Ri-Bhoi Social Forestry Division, SK Budnah informed about the history of Van Mahotsav celebration which was first initiated in the country in the year 1950.
Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry, Forests and Environment, SA Nongsiej, who was the chief guest on the occasion, lauded the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for taking several steps to protect the environment.
