Chandigarh, 2nd July 2018: On the occasion of Van Mahotsava-2018, the‘Paudhmela’ was inaugurated by the Chief Guest – Smt.Kirron Kher, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, U.T Chandigarh, today at Parking Place near Sukhna Lake Club. The Paudh Mela shall continue on 02nd July, 2018 (Timing: 0700 hrs to 1300 hrs & 1600 hrs to 1900 hrs). Three Stalls of Forest Department, Municipal Corporation, Horticulture wing of Engineering Department, Chandigarh are stationed there. Forest Department is distributing saplings free of cost whereas other departments are selling at nominal rate depending on species. One Stall of Accacia Eco Club of Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Sec 16-D, Chandigarh is also stationed where Herbal plants/ Tulsi plants and giloy stems are distributed by various schools of UT Chandigarh.
After inauguration of Paudhmela, Chief Guest also flagged off the ‘Mahindra Scorpio Getaway’ – a Pick-up Van vehicle for rescuing wild animals and bringing to health care facility or for releasing them in forest area. Sh. Santosh Kumar, IFS, CCF, UT Chandigarh informed that this vehicle was purchased under the grant of Rs.9,76,905/- under MPLAD Scheme during the year 2017-18.
This was followed by a ceremonial plantation behind Rock Garden on Kaimbwala Road, Chandigarh where Chief Guest launched ‘Plantation Drive-2018’ and planted a ‘Jamun’ sapling. Shri Santosh Kumar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Shri T.C.Nautiyal, IFS, Conservator of Forests and other senior officers of the Administration also planted saplings.
On this occasion, Smt.Kirron Kher requested all citizens of Chandigarh to take part in this Van Mahotsava-2018 with full enthusiasm and make Chandigarh a clean & green city. She urged that if we adopt ‘Each One Plant One” theme then Chandigarh is going to be a greener place.
Shri Santosh Kumar, CCF informed that Department of Forests & Wildlife, Chandigarh Administration has planned series of days celebrations so as to involve all stake holders in the following manner as part of Van Mahotsav-2018 celebrations :-
Eco-Club Day (03rd July, 2018): All Eco Clubs of UT Chandigarh will plant saplings on this day.
NGO Day (04th July, 2018): NGOs registered under PIP with UT Forest department will plant saplings at various locations in Chandigarh.
Herbal Day (5th July, 2018): Schools & Colleges of UT Chandigarh shall carry out Herbal plantation in their premises.
Resident Welfare Association Day (06th July, 2018): Resident Welfare Associations will plant saplings in their jurisdiction.
He also informed that this ceremonial plantation has been carried out behind Rock Garden area which has been reclaimed from sewerage water destruction leading to death of many trees and now the entire area shall be made green by plantation. It shall be an extension of the proposed Bird Park.
