Four crores saplings to be planted in Manipur by Sept 2024, says Forest Minister

Imphal: Thongam Biswajit, Manipur Minister for Forest and Environment on Saturday announced that the government is targeting to plant four crore commercially viable saplings by September 2024 to enhance the green cover across the state.

The Minister was speaking as chief guest at the 75th Van Mahotsav Celebration commemorated with a large-scale tree plantation drive at Lamdeng Makha Leikai in Imphal West district on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion the minister also stated that severe flooding in Manipur is a result of the widespread deforestation, encroachment on the river banks, and mass poppy plantation.

He also said that 420 sq. km area gets deforested annually and if this goes on for 10 to 15 years there will be an imbalance of nature.

The Minister continued that the main impact of the flood in Imphal is either due to overflow of seepage or a breach of the river bank.

The programme was conducted by the Forest Department under the theme “Plant for Mother.”

The main objective of Van Mahotsav is to promote the conservation and protection of forests and to create awareness about the importance of trees in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring environmental stability.

Sorokhiabam Rajen Singh, MLA of Lamsang A/C, and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Central Forest Division attended the function as the Guests of Honour.