Van Mahotsav 2026 Celebrated with Enthusiasm at Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah
By Antara Tripathy | IBG News
Howrah, July 6: The Botanical Survey of India (BSI), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, celebrated Van Mahotsav 2026 with great fervour at the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden (AJCBIBG), Howrah, underscoring the importance of biodiversity conservation, environmental awareness, and large-scale tree plantation.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Manas Bhaumik, Scientist-F and Head of Office, AJCBIBG. He extended greetings to the distinguished guests, participants, and staff, and highlighted the significance of Van Mahotsav in fostering environmental responsibility. He also emphasized the critical role of botanical gardens in preserving plant diversity and raising public awareness on conservation.
Dr. Kanad Das, Director of the Botanical Survey of India, graced the occasion and delivered a keynote address. He described botanic gardens as vital hubs for scientific research, education, and ex-situ conservation of endemic, threatened, and economically significant plant species. Stressing the importance of plant conservation for ecological security, climate resilience, and sustainable development, he urged citizens—especially the youth—to actively engage in plantation drives and environmental initiatives.
The event’s Chief Guest, Prof. Punarbasu Chaudhuri, Head of the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Calcutta, highlighted the ecological importance of Van Mahotsav. He called for increased afforestation, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and conservation of native flora as essential measures to combat climate change and ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
As part of the celebrations, a plantation drive was organised in Division No. 19 of the garden. Scientists, officials, research scholars, students, and participants from various educational institutions took part enthusiastically, planting saplings to demonstrate their shared commitment to enhancing green cover and conserving biodiversity.
The programme also featured the felicitation of winners from the Sit & Draw and Photography competitions held during Environment Day celebrations. Among those present were Dr. Pratibha Gupta, Scientist-F and Head of Office, Central Botanical Laboratory; Dr. Chaya Deori, Scientist-E and Head of Office (In-charge), Central National Herbarium; and Dr. Jeewan Singh Jalal, Scientist-E and In-charge, EIACP, along with scientists, officers, researchers, and staff from various BSI units in Howrah.
The dignitaries collectively stressed the urgent need for biodiversity conservation through mass plantation, protection of native species, and active public participation. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sitaram Prasad Panda, Scientist-D and Curator In-charge, AJCBIBG.
