Latest news with #Vanmahotsava
Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Tripura implementing 3 externally aided projects for forest protection: Minister Animesh Debbarma
The Tripura government is implementing three externally aided projects to ensure the protection of forests and the livelihood of forest dwellers, state Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma said on Tuesday. The first project was funded by the Government of Japan via Japan International Cooperation Agency, the second by the Federal Republic of Germany through the bank KfW, and the third was a World Bank-funded Rs 1,764.94 crore project, he added. 'The projects aimed to generate employment for youths and women through promotion of forest-based entrepreneurship,' Debbarma said, inaugurating the 76th state-level Vanmahotsava at the Behalabari School playground in Khowai district. Those who stay in hilly areas take only some resources from the forest, he said, adding that it was a section of traders who destroy forests and their resources for illegal trade. Referring to the latest Forest Survey of India (FSI), Debbarma said that forest areas in the state have reduced. He also urged people to plant at least one tree in the name of their parents, sister or any close relative, as part of the nationwide plantation campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' 2.0, to increase the forest areas in the state. Debbarma further said that he has requested Chief Minister Manik Saha to deploy a minimum of 400 Tripura State Rifles personnel to ensure the protection of forest resources. On July 5 last year, Saha had conducted a mass plantation drive across the state under the mission of '5 lakh saplings in 5 minutes' to hike the forest cover. Earlier, the forest department had distributed lakhs of saplings among people, including students, clubs, state and central security forces, etc.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Swap plastic for saplings in city on July 4, 5
Panaji: To nudge citizens towards sustainable waste management and eco-conscious living, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), in collaboration with the forest department, is set to launch a unique 'green booth' initiative in the state capital this Friday and Saturday. During the two-day drive, residents can bring plastic waste — from PET bottles to polythene bags — and exchange it for a sapling of their choice. The initiative will coincide with Vanmahotsava, India's annual tree-planting festival that is celebrated in the first week of July to promote afforestation. 'We want the public involved with Vanmahotsava celebrations and we also want to incentivise people by urging them to bring plastic to us in exchange for a sapling,' a forest official said. Green booths will operate at select locations across Panaji in two shifts — from 10am to 1pm and again from 4pm to 7pm. Volunteers will monitor simple wooden desks made from sustainable materials to reinforce the message of minimising plastic use. For every quantity of recyclable plastic brought in, each participant will receive one sapling from a variety of native trees, medicinal herbs, and fruit-bearing plants, encouraging them not only to dispose of waste responsibly but also to contribute to the city's green cover. 'When giving away the saplings, we will explain to people about the native plants and trees of Goa,' said Rohitesh Sutar, vice-president of the Rotaract Club of Panaji, which has partnered with the CCP and the forest department for the initiative. The project has also roped in a popular supermarket that will set up a booth at its Porvorim outlet on July 4 to extend the reach of the initiative beyond the limits of Panaji city. All the collected plastic waste will be routed to the CCP's segregation centre for recycling. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
