The 74th Van Mahotsav was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Navy-based Campus of INS Mandovi in Betim, Verem. The event, organized jointly by the Indian Navy and the Goa Forest Department, witnessed the presence of Forest Minister Shri Vishwajeet Rane as the esteemed Chief Guest. He commenced the function by tree plantation drive and flagging off the Goa Forest Department’s nature awareness van.

Forest Minister Shri Vishwajeet Rane emphasized the critical importance of maintaining an environmental balance to preserve wildlife, flora, and fauna. Recognizing the global issue of climate change, he stressed the significance of tree plantation in combating global warming. Shri Rane also highlighted the necessity of instilling awareness about tree plantation among students, as they hold the key to a better future for our planet.

In their respective speeches, Shri Rajiv Kumar Gupta, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and Rear Admiral Shri Rajesh Dhankhar, NM, Commandant of Naval War College, Goa, emphasized the preservation of our motherland, nature, and forests. They urged all attendees to contribute to the cause by planting more trees, emphasizing the crucial role that each individual can play in mitigating the effects of global warming.

The event commenced with a welcome speech by Shri Umakant, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. Cdr Shri B. Suresh compered the function, while Commodore Shri Prashant Chowdhari, VSM, delivered the vote of thanks.