MSAP Alumni Manipur launched a statewide plantation campaign at Taobungkhok, establishing India’s first ‘Ningol Van’ with women-led tree planting.
Imphal, May 31: The Association of MSAP (Manipur Students’ Association, Pune) Alumni, Manipur on Sunday launched a year-long statewide tree plantation campaign with a plantation drive at Taobungkhok in Imphal West district under the theme “Now for Climate.”
The programme was organised by the Association of MSAP Alumni, Manipur in association with the Council for Educational Administration and Management (CEAM), Manipur Chapter, and the Taobungkhok Progressive Youth Pioneers’ Association (TPYPA), with support from the Forest Department, Government of Manipur.
A key feature of the event was the establishment of “Ningol Van”, which organisers described as the first initiative of its kind in India. Around 50 women participants, referred to as Ningols, planted saplings of different species to promote women’s participation in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The initiative aligns with the Government of Manipur’s recently launched Ningol Van programme, aimed at recognising and strengthening the role of women in forest conservation, biodiversity protection and ecological sustainability.
The plantation drive was held from 7 am to 11 am and was attended by officials of the Forest Department, representatives of partner organisations, students and local residents.
Chief Conservator of Forests L. Joykumar Singh attended the programme as chief guest. Conservator of Forests, Central Circle, R.K. Amarjit Singh, and Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division, Vikram Suresh Nadhe attended as guests of honour. The programme was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Th. Asha Sinha, President of the Association of MSAP Alumni, Manipur.
Speaking during the programme, Prof. Asha Sinha thanked the Forest Department for supporting the initiative. She acknowledged the department’s assistance in providing saplings, technical guidance, manpower and an earth auger machine used for pit digging during the preparatory stage of the plantation campaign.
She also expressed appreciation to CEAM Manipur Chapter, TPYPA, members of the Association, MSAP students, local residents, Meira Paibi groups and participants of the Ningol Van initiative for their support and participation.
As part of the drive, nearly 300 saplings of indigenous and environmentally suitable species were planted at five locations across Taobungkhok village. These included Ipa Loyarakpa Ima Ningthemleima Lai Haraobung, Eco-Tourism Park, Taobungkhok Upper Primary School, TWC Hockey Ground and the Water Supply Pukhri Campus.
The species planted included Bokul, Leihao, Heikru, Yongchak, Mayokpha, Manahei, Jam, Theibong and other locally adapted varieties considered suitable for the area’s ecological conditions.
According to the organisers, the plantation campaign seeks to promote environmental stewardship, expand green cover, support ecosystem restoration and contribute to climate resilience and sustainable development in Manipur.
Around 150 people took part in the programme, including members of the Association of MSAP Alumni, CEAM Manipur Chapter, TPYPA, students, local residents and Meira Paibi groups. Organisers said the participation reflected a collective commitment towards environmental conservation and the creation of a greener future for the state.
The plantation programme was coordinated by Advocate Suresh Sarangthem on behalf of the Association of MSAP Alumni, Manipur, while Advocate Jotindra Luwang conducted the proceedings.
