Korel, Chandigarh, 16th July 2019:
“Van Mahotsav” refers to “tree-plantation ceremony”, which is celebrated every year, in the month of July, to inculcate among the general public the need for growing trees and preserving them. To observe this tree plantation festival in a befitting manner by involving various Greening agencies like NGOs, Resident Welfare Associations, Eco-Clubs besides Government agencies, Department of Forest & Wildlife, Chandigarh Administration organized ‘Van Mahotsava-2019’ today at Panjab University Campus, Chandigarh in which Sh.V.P.Singh Badnore, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab & the Administrator, UT Chandigarh was the Chief Guest of the function.
The Administrator inaugurated the Van Mahotsav 2019 by planting a ‘Kalpatru’plant. After planting a sapling, the Administrator inaugurated ‘Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS)’ in front of Department of Public Health near Panjab University Campus, Sector-25, Chandigarh which has been installed by Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee. This CAAQMS system is very useful by which various Ambient Air Quality parameters can be monitored online on real time basis.
During the function, the “State of Environment Chandigarh-2018”prepared by Department of Environment, UT Chandigarh whichcovers all the major environmental aspects of Chandigarh, was released by Sh. VP Singh Badnore. He also released the booklet on“Medicinal Plants of Chandigarh”prepared by Department of Forest & Wildlife, UT Chandigarh. This booklet will serve as a handy guide for students, researchers or entrepreneurs who will help in easy identification and to understand usages of medicinal plants. Subsequently, the Administrator inaugurated the “Paudh Mela” at parking area of Sukhna Lake. On this occasion, Sh. Debendra Dalai, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, UT Chandigarh informed that Van Mahotsav is celebrated every year to sensitize and create awareness amongst all the stakeholders.
Paudh Mela has been organized for two days wherein the general public can collect saplings. Forest Department is distributing saplings free of cost whereas Horticulture Wings of Engineering Department, UT and Municipal Corporation are selling plants at nominal rates depending on the species. One Stall of Eco Club of Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Sec 35-D, Chandigarh has also been set up where compost prepared from fallen dry leaves is being distributed to the interested people.
