Imphal, July 7: Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Forest Department, Manipur Police, educational institutions and civil society organisations, carried out a series of afforestation drives across Kakching and Chandel districts of Manipur under Van Mahotsav and the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0" campaign.

The initiative aimed to promote environmental conservation, enhance green cover and encourage greater public participation in protecting the environment while strengthening civil-military cooperation.
At Sugnu in Kakching district, Assam Rifles personnel joined hands with local stakeholders and residents to plant around 80 saplings. The plantation drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the local community, who pledged to nurture the saplings and contribute to a greener environment.
In Chandel district, more than 40 students of L Thingamphai High School participated in a plantation programme after attending an awareness session conducted by Forest Department officials on biodiversity conservation, climate change and the importance of ecological balance.
During the programme, participants planted 112 saplings on the school premises and nearby areas, reinforcing the message of environmental responsibility among the younger generation.
Officials highlighted that such initiatives not only contribute to increasing forest cover but also create awareness about sustainable development, climate resilience and the collective responsibility of protecting natural resources.
The plantation drives formed part of Assam Rifles' broader outreach efforts to support environmental conservation and community welfare while fostering closer ties with local communities. The force reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with civil authorities and residents in promoting a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for the region.