Sri Vijaya Puram, July 25, 2026: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri VijayaPuram, celebrated Van Mahotsav 2026 by organizing a plantation drive at its Garacharma Farm in collaboration with the South Andaman Forest Division, Department of Environment and Forest, Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
The programme was organized to promote environmental conservation, enhance green cover, and sensitize staff and stakeholders on the importance of tree plantation and sustainable natural resource management.
The occasion was graced by Shri M. Rajkumar,IFS, APCCF, Department of Environment and Forests, A&N Administration, in the presence of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI. Shri Erularajan, Range Officer, Garacharma Range, South Andaman Forest Division, along with his team, actively supported the programme by providing technical guidance for site layout, pit preparation, and planting operations. The Forest Department also supplied 200 seedlings of bamboo, amla and lemon for the plantation drive.
A total of 85 participants, including 30 officials from the South Andaman Forest Division and 40 scientists, technical, administrative, supporting, project, contractual, and KVK staff of ICAR-CIARI, took part in the programme and planted seedlings across the designated areas of Garacharma Farm.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. I. Jaisankar, Principal Scientist, and Dr. Abhilash, Scientist, ICAR-CIARI. Dr. I. Jaisankar welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Dr. Jai Sunder, Director emphasized the need to increase green cover, conserve natural resources, and integrate tree plantation activities with sustainable agricultural landscapes. He encouraged the staff to actively contribute to environmental protection through continued plantation and conservation initiatives.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Abhilash, who acknowledged the valuable support extended by the South Andaman Forest Division and appreciated the enthusiastic participation of all officials and staff members.
The plantation drive reaffirmed ICAR-CIARI’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable land management, and conservation of natural resources in the fragile island ecosystem.