Port Blair, July 16: As a part of celebration of 74th Van Mahotsava, South Andaman Forest Division, Department of Environment and Forests in association with Navy Children School, Minnie Bay organised a ceremonial tree planting program on 15.07.2023 at the premises of Navy Children School, Minnie Bay. Dr. T. S. Ashok Kumar, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (ANI) graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Shri Kamal Datta, IFS, APCCF(Administration and Vigilance) and Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, IFS, APCCF(Coastal Zone & Forest Conservation) were Guests of honour on this occasion. Dr. Dinesh Kannan, IFS, (Chief Conservator of Forests, Territorial), Shri Sanjay Waradkar, IFS (Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife) also graced the occasion. Around 45 seedlings of fruits bearing, shade bearing and different ornamental species were planted by the Officers, school authorities and students.
Later, after the ceremonial tree planting, a simple function was organised at the meeting hall of the school, where the Chief Guest and the guests of honour addressed the gathering and passed on the message on the importance of celebration of Van Mahotsava, tree planting and urge the young students to inculcate love and passion for the trees and wildlife for posterity.
Earlier, students of Navy Children school, Minnie Bay presented a welcome song and Shri A. K. Paul, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, South Andaman, Wimberlygunj welcomed the gathering and Ms. Anita Devi, Principal, Navy Children School, Minnie Bay proposed vote of thanks to the audience.