Van Mahotsav

Introduction
It is not the lack of respect for forests and the environment on the part of the people alone that
have led to the high scale of deforestation in our forests and degradation of our woodlands. A
growing population gave rise to land hunger, and man’s never-ending greed invariably had its
incursion into the natural forest wealth. Even an undecided and halting national forest policy
aided the degeneration of national and state forests further. The existing natural balance was
disturbed, and the need of the hour was a national awakening to the necessity of planting
trees and attempting tree rehabilitation on a national scale.
History
The beginning came in July 1947, when a very successful Tree Planting Week was celebrated
in Delhi State, led by the Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. "A growing tree," he exclaimed,
"is the living symbol of a progressive nation." The main objective of celebrating Tree
Planting Week was to focus the attention of the people on the national importance of planting
trees and conserving nature. This objective was fulfilled to a great extent.
But the major credit for raising the tree to the level of importance it should have in our
national economy goes to K.M. Munshi. Under his inspiring guidance, the first National
Festival of Trees, or Van Mahotsav was observed in 1950. In July that year and in the
following months, lakhs of seeds and seedlings were planted all over the country. Thus,
making the campaign a successful one.
Progress and Problems
The festival is not confined to cities and towns alone anymore. It has seeped into the villages,
bringing awareness among villagers that trees mean better crops, better living conditions,
better cattle, and more beautiful villages.
Although Van Mahotsav has achieved a lot of milestones over the years. Yet, more efforts are
required to go in before the gains are consolidated and further progress is achieved. The
public mind needs to be further educated on what stands behind the mere ritual of planting
trees. The planting of a tree is merely the starting point of a tacit undertaking to do all that is
necessary to provide the forests with appropriate living conditions and protect them against
damage or destruction by man or beast.
There are many ways to appreciate the true significance of Van Mahotsav and use the
campaign to its full potential. Every effective method should be brought to use for
disseminating information on the festival to the general public. Large-scale nurseries should
spring up to provide a variety of planting materials to meet a large demand. People should be
properly guided on the technique of planting and after-care of trees, including protection
against adverse elements. In villages, rural communities should be persuaded to plant
compact blocks of trees rather than individual trees wherever land is available. Apart from
this, modern technological solutions such as the use of geo-fencing of trees by satellites and
drone-based surveillance for protecting the forests.
Conclusion
A combined effort is needed to reverse the effects of deforestation on forests. The festival,
instead of being confined to individual countries, should be made an international occasion in
which the trees are a symbol of enduring peace and the central theme of the celebrations.
These steps would be of some considerable community interest and an effective means of
promoting goodwill among nations. Thus, ensuring a better and sustainable future for our
coming generations.