Date: July 17-18, 2024
Location: Kurseong Forest Division
On the occasion of Banmahotsav 2024, a large-scale plantation programme was organized by the Panighata Forest Range under the Kurseong Forest Division at Lohagarh Block, bringing together officials, community members, schools, and civil society organizations in a collective effort to promote environmental conservation.
The event saw the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including:
- Shri Devesh Pandey, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Kurseong Division
- Shri Rahul Dev Mukherjee, WBFS, Assistant Divisional Forest Officer
- Shri Kailash Khawas, Sabhapati, Mirik Panchayat Samity
- Shri Gyne Lama, Ban-o-Bhumi Karmadhyaksha, Mirik Panchayat Samity
- Shri S.K. Sharma, Assistant Commandant, SSB Baramoniramjote
- Shri Praloy Kumar Roy, Inspector, SSB Lohagarh Unit, with team
- Shri Sanjay Tirkey, OC, Panighatta
- Shri D.R. Chowdhury, Senior Manager, Manjha Tea Estate
- Teachers and students from:
- Loreto Convent
- Potung High School
- Panighatta High School
- Nipania School
- Adarsh Vidyalaya
- Rainbow School
- All JFMC Presidents and Executive Members under Panighatta Range
- Representatives from various NGOs including Jumbo Troops, Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA), WWF, ICFHR, Seva Kendra Siliguri, Airavat, Pashchimbanga Bigyan Mancha, and NHO Siliguri
The programme included a ceremonial planting of saplings, followed by the distribution of seedlings to participants and local residents to encourage continued afforestation efforts in the region.
The Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA) also extends its sincere thanks to the Tukuriajhar Forest Range, Kurseong Division, for the invitation to be a part of this meaningful initiative. We appreciate the consistent efforts of the forest department in promoting environmental sustainability and community involvement in conservation.
Such collaborations reinforce our collective responsibility in preserving green cover and enhancing biodiversity in North Bengal.
