“We must act now to save the future generations,” said Manipur chief Minister N. Biren Singh while  celebrating the 70th Van Mahotsava,  held in South Manipur in Churachandpur district on Monday organized by the department of Forest. 

Stating the main objective of observing the state level Van Mahotsava in hill districts from last year was to sensitise the people of the hill districts of the ill effects of climate change and global warming which has even pervaded the state as well,  the chief minister observed the state’s forest areas especially in hill districts are fast shrinking  due to rampant deforestation. 

He further called the people of the state, especially the ones from the hill to help in restoring and preserving the forest and green canopies on the state. 

“No Government efforts would bear results without people’s support and participations,” the chief Minister said. 

“Green Mission Manipur which was launched just a few days ago would be expanded across the state and I urge all of you to actively participate in it to make it a huge success,” appealed Biren Singh.

State Planning Board Deputy Chairman, S. Rajen, Saikot AC MLA, T.N. Haokip, Tipaimukh AC MLA, Chaltolien Amo, Churachandpur ADC Chairman, T. Paukhanlian, Churachandpur ADC Vice Chairman, P. Kamkholal, Additional Chief secretary (Forest and Environment), Dr. Suhel Akhtar and PCCF, K. Angami attended the function as dignitaries.

Churachandpur DC,  Shyamlal Poonia, SP Amrita Sinha, district level officers, Church leaders, village chiefs, officials of the Forest Department, students and large number of people also participated in the celebration. 
The Chief Minister also led the dignitaries and public in planting tree saplings at the ground to mark the celebration.