- At the 77th Statewide Van Mahotsav 2026 in Ranchi, Hemant Soren planted saplings and said environmental protection is a collective responsibility, urging people to protect trees.
Jharkhand News : Jharkhand Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto and Chief Minister Hemant Soren attended the 77th Statewide Van Mahotsav 2026 organised at the Jharkhand Assembly premises. The Chief Minister and the Assembly Speaker planted saplings and called for greater efforts towards environmental protection.
Addressing the programme, Hemant Soren said Jharkhand is identified with its water bodies, forests, hills, rivers and rich natural resources. He said forests and nature are an integral part of the state’s social life and culture.
The Chief Minister said environmental protection is not the responsibility of the government alone but a duty of every individual in society.
Protecting Saplings Is as Important as Planting Them
Hemant Soren said programmes such as Van Mahotsav remind people of their responsibilities towards nature. He stressed that the responsibility should not end with planting a sapling, and people must also take a pledge to protect and nurture the plants.
He said concrete steps towards environmental protection are necessary today to ensure a safe and healthy future for the coming generations.
According to the Chief Minister, the state government is continuously working towards forest conservation, expansion of green cover, water conservation and strengthening the environmental balance.
He said protecting Jharkhand’s natural heritage while maintaining a balance between development and the environment remains among the government’s priorities.
Soren also appealed to the public to contribute to environmental protection by planting and safeguarding trees.
Forest Department Asked to Run Special Campaigns
The Chief Minister said Van Mahotsav should not remain limited to plantation activities. Equal enthusiasm should be shown towards the protection and development of the saplings after they are planted.
He directed the Forest Department to conduct special campaigns by fixing dates for activities such as applying fertiliser to plants, ensuring proper care and providing necessary nourishment.
Soren said the impact of Van Mahotsav can be seen in the green trees across the Jharkhand Assembly premises, surrounding areas and different parts of the state.
He appealed to people to play an active role in making the earth greener.
Fruit-Bearing Trees to Be Planted at MLAs’ Residences
Hemant Soren directed officials of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department to ensure the plantation of fruit-bearing trees in the residential premises of legislators as well.
He directed that fruit-bearing saplings should be provided to all MLAs and planted at their residences to promote greenery.
Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto also spoke about the objectives of the statewide Van Mahotsav programme and highlighted the importance of protecting nature and the environment.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjeev Kumar delivered the welcome address.
During the programme, Chief Minister Hemant Soren planted a sapling on the Assembly premises and appealed to everyone to plant more trees and take a pledge to protect them.
Minister Radha Krishna Kishore, Hafizul Hasan, Irfan Ansari and Shilpi Neha Tirkey, legislators, senior Forest Department officials, dignitaries and others were present on the occasion.
