I am very happy that the Department of Environment and Forests is celebrating “Vanmahotsava” with great enthusiasm during the whole month of July with active involvement of the people of these Islands. This festival of “Vanmahotsava” reflects our Indian ethos and our recognition and respect for Mother Nature. On this occasion, we remember Shri K. M. Munshi, the then Union Minister for Agriculture with great honour who laid the foundation for this festival in 1950.

The benevolent service rendered by trees and forests and their role in mitigating the ill effects of soil erosion, floods and global warming deserve not only our respect but also our obligation to protect and conserve them for the future of mankind.

On this occasion, I would appeal to all inhabitants of these islands to plant as many trees as possible and ensure their proper protection and maintenance to keep these islands greener than ever.

I extend my best wishes for the successful observance of this 64th “Vanmahotsava”

Lt. Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh

Lieutenant Governor

Andaman & Nicobar Islands