By TC News Desk
Agartala, 29th July 2025: The North Tripura Forest Department organized a district-level Van Mahotsav today at North Point School in Chandrapur, Dharmanagar. The event commenced at 11:45 AM with a ceremonial tree planting by Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly and Dharmanagar MLA Biswa Bandhu Sen, who served as the chief guest.
Sen planted a sapling to inaugurate the festival and highlighted the pivotal role such initiatives play in safeguarding the environment. In a heartfelt address, he emphasized, “Planting trees is just the beginning; nurturing them is our collective responsibility. Trees are like our mothers, taking in carbon dioxide and gifting us oxygen. They absorb environmental toxins and offer us the blessings of health and balance.”
Forest Department SDFO Rakesh Das said, “There is no alternative to afforestation for maintaining ecological balance. Events like these instill environmental responsibility among the younger generation.”
Following the tree-planting, ceremonial watering of saplings marked the formal launch of the festival. The event witnessed active participation from municipal dignitaries including Dharmanagar Municipal Council Chairperson Mitali Rani Sen Das, North Point School Principal Debasish Bhattacharya, the head of Chandrapur village, teachers, students and Forest department staff.
Despite the festival’s eco-friendly vision, criticism emerged over inadequate arrangements for children who performed music, recitations, and dances under the scorching midday sun without shelter. The performances began at noon, widely acknowledged as the hottest period of the day.
Speaker Sen expressed his disapproval of the organizers’ oversight, stating, “While adults enjoyed the program under fans and air conditioning, it is unacceptable that young performers were exposed to such harsh conditions.” In a compassionate gesture, he invited the children onto the main stage, allowing them to present their performances in a more comfortable setting.
