Amid rapid urbanization and expanding infrastructure development, India has witnessed increasing pressure on its natural ecosystems due to large-scale tree felling. The resulting decline in forest cover, deterioration in air quality, disruption of biodiversity, and growing concerns over climate change have highlighted the need for large-scale afforestation and ecological restoration. In this context, Van Mahotsav, popularly known as the Festival of Trees, serves as a nationwide movement to encourage tree plantation and environmental stewardship.Launched in 1950 by Shri K.M. Munshi, the then Union Minister for Agriculture and Food, Van Mahotsav is celebrated annually from 1st to 7th July across the country. The festival promotes mass participation in tree plantation drives and fosters awareness regarding the ecological, social, and economic significance of trees.
The roots of Van Mahotsav can be traced back to July 1947, when India's first National Tree Plantation Week was organized under the leadership of M.S. Randhawa, a noted historian, civil servant, and botanist. The inaugural plantation event took place in Delhi and was attended by several prominent leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru.Recognizing the importance of afforestation, K.M. Munshi institutionalized the programme in 1950 and renamed it Van Mahotsav. The celebration was scheduled during the first week of July, coinciding with the onset of the South-West Monsoon, thereby enhancing the survival rate of newly planted saplings.
Over the decades, Van Mahotsav has evolved into one of India's largest environmental awareness campaigns. Millions of saplings are planted annually under the initiative, contributing to:
The programme encourages the planting of native tree species, which are better adapted to local climatic conditions and possess higher survival rates. State Governments, local bodies, educational institutions, NGOs, and community organizations actively participate in plantation drives and awareness campaigns.In addition to plantation activities, seminars, exhibitions, poster competitions, documentary screenings, and environmental education programmes are organized to promote ecological consciousness among citizens.
India's commitment to increasing green cover is reflected through multiple afforestation and urban forestry initiatives undertaken by the Government.
Launched in 2024, this initiative encourages citizens to plant a tree in honour of their mothers. The programme seeks to promote environmental responsibility while contributing to climate action, sustainable lifestyles, and green economic growth.
The scheme focuses on developing Nagar Vans (Urban Forests) in cities and towns through community participation. It promotes urban forestry and enhances ecological services in urban areas by involving local communities, educational institutions, NGOs, and local bodies.
CAMPA facilitates the utilization of compensatory afforestation funds for restoring forest ecosystems affected by diversion of forest land. Its objectives include:
The Green India Mission seeks to address climate change through adaptation and mitigation measures while enhancing India's forest resources.Key goals include:
The programme focuses on restoring degraded forests and promoting people's participation in forest resource development. Special emphasis is placed on improving the livelihoods of forest-fringe communities through participatory forest management.
Afforestation remains a critical component of India's climate strategy. Under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), India has committed to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030 through increased forest and tree cover.Tree plantation initiatives directly support India's commitments toward climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, India's total forest cover stands at 7.13 lakh square kilometres, accounting for 21.71% of the country's geographical area. Between ISFR 2017 and ISFR 2021, forest cover increased by 5,516 square kilometres, reflecting the impact of sustained afforestation efforts.The Government has also supported plantation activities through substantial financial allocations:
Van Mahotsav represents more than a plantation campaign; it symbolizes India's collective commitment toward environmental conservation and sustainable development. Through community participation, government initiatives, and long-term ecological planning, the programme contributes significantly to enhancing green cover, combating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and promoting environmental responsibility among citizens. Continued participation in such initiatives remains crucial for building a greener, healthier, and climate-resilient India.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Updated – 29 June 2024 | 10:02 AM | News Source: