IFGTB ENVIS celebrates 'Van Mahotsav 2021' by hosting tree planting program
Coimbatore: ENVIS Centre on Forest Genetic Resources and Tree Improvement at the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore celebrated Van Mahotsav 2021 by organizing a tree sapling planting program, and also adhering to social distancing during the event as part of the Covid-19 safety protocols.
Director Dr. C Kunhikannan inaugurated the program and released an awareness poster for students. During his special address to the gathering, Dr. C Kunhikannan highlighted that "trees are the most precious gift given to mankind and it is our duty to preserve it. We humans are dependent on trees for our needs and hence Van Mahotsav should be utilized in a creative way. The need of the hour is that all the destruction caused by humans can only be balanced through afforestation. Each and every citizen should plant more trees and spread awareness about the conservation of trees, so that even the illiterate section of society can perceive the importance of tree planting," he added.
Saplings of indigenous medicinal and timber tree species like Belleric Myrobalan (Thanni), Portia tree (Poovarasu), Banyan, Shisham, Pongamia (Pungam), Ilanji, Athi, Red Tamarind, Atcha Maram were planted in Forest Campus by officers, staff members and students. Dr Kannan, C S Warrier, Senior Principal Scientist and Coordinator ENVIS spoke on the significance of this annual tree planting festival in India started by K M Munshi, the then Union Minister for Agriculture and Food in 1950.
"In 2019, the world lost 38 lakh hectares of tropical primary forest, equivalent to losing a football ground area of forests every six seconds. In India, however, an increase of 0.65 percent forests over the previous assessment in 2017 has been reported. Increased awareness and conservation strategies have resulted in safeguarding invaluable tree resources," he opined.
Dr. Warrier also delivered an awareness lecture on the significance of conservation of sacred groves in a webinar organized by Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala Forest Department. “Plant a tree sapling photography challenge” was also organized as part of Vana Mahotsav 2021 and people from different walks of life across India participated. E-certificates were awarded to all. Softcopy of the poster was transmitted electronically among the different stakeholders. Dr. T Vamadevan, Information Officer concluded the event by proposing the vote of thanks.
Director Dr. C Kunhikannan inaugurated the program and released an awareness poster for students. During his special address to the gathering, Dr. C Kunhikannan highlighted that "trees are the most precious gift given to mankind and it is our duty to preserve it. We humans are dependent on trees for our needs and hence Van Mahotsav should be utilized in a creative way. The need of the hour is that all the destruction caused by humans can only be balanced through afforestation. Each and every citizen should plant more trees and spread awareness about the conservation of trees, so that even the illiterate section of society can perceive the importance of tree planting," he added.
Saplings of indigenous medicinal and timber tree species like Belleric Myrobalan (Thanni), Portia tree (Poovarasu), Banyan, Shisham, Pongamia (Pungam), Ilanji, Athi, Red Tamarind, Atcha Maram were planted in Forest Campus by officers, staff members and students. Dr Kannan, C S Warrier, Senior Principal Scientist and Coordinator ENVIS spoke on the significance of this annual tree planting festival in India started by K M Munshi, the then Union Minister for Agriculture and Food in 1950.
"In 2019, the world lost 38 lakh hectares of tropical primary forest, equivalent to losing a football ground area of forests every six seconds. In India, however, an increase of 0.65 percent forests over the previous assessment in 2017 has been reported. Increased awareness and conservation strategies have resulted in safeguarding invaluable tree resources," he opined.
Dr. Warrier also delivered an awareness lecture on the significance of conservation of sacred groves in a webinar organized by Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala Forest Department. “Plant a tree sapling photography challenge” was also organized as part of Vana Mahotsav 2021 and people from different walks of life across India participated. E-certificates were awarded to all. Softcopy of the poster was transmitted electronically among the different stakeholders. Dr. T Vamadevan, Information Officer concluded the event by proposing the vote of thanks.