Van Mahotsav

Van Mahotsav is a pan-India tree planting festival celebrated in July every year. This initiative was nationally recognised in 1950 by Dr K M Munshi, who was the Union Minister for Agriculture and Food during that period. 

Apart from its modern-day observance, Van Mahotsav carries an inspiring history, which UPSC 2022 aspirants must know about. 

The article discusses the main objective behind this initiative, its history and the significance that UPSC aspirants may find helpful.

Van Mahotsav [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here

History of Van Mahotsav

The history of this movement traces back to the year 1947 when MS Randhawa, a Punjabi botanist, organised a tree plantation week from 20 to 27 July. Khurshid Ahmad Khan, who was the then Delhi Police Commissioner, took part in this event’s inauguration on 20 July 1947. This initiative’s main objective was to emphasise the impact of deforestation in the country. 

Renowned leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr Rajendra Prasad attended India’s first-ever tree plantation drive. 

After three years, i.e., in 1950, Kanaiyaka Maneklal Munshi proclaimed this movement as a national activity. Subsequently, he regarded this event as ‘Van Mahotsav’ and moved it to the first week of July.

Dr Munshi wanted this initiative to be more than just a tree plantation drive. He desired an exhibition of excitement amidst people as they came together to celebrate their contribution towards the planet.

Objectives of Van Mahotsav

Van Mahotsav day/week is celebrated to raise awareness among individuals regarding the importance of trees and inspire citizens to plant more of them. 

Some of the objectives of this festival, as envisioned by Dr Munshi are:

• To increase fruit production
• Help in the creation of shelter-belts across agricultural fields to increase productivity
• Furnish fodder leaves for cattle to reduce grazing intensity upon reserved forests
• Prevent soil infertility and boost soil conservation
• Provide shade and decorative trees for added aesthetics to the landscape
• Supply small poles and timber for fencing, agricultural implements and house constructions

Apart from Van Mahotsav, where other initiatives have been taken in the same direction. The Ministry of Culture had also taken up the initiative to celebrate Sankalp Parva from June 28 to July 12, 2020, where all its Subordinate Offices, Academies, Attached Institutions, Affiliated Institutions were expected to plant trees in their campus or the surrounding areas.

How Does the Country Celebrate Van Mahotsav Week?

The emergence of Monsoons in India typically begins during the first week of July. This is why the country celebrates Van Mahotsav during this particular month. It is also observed that a large number of saplings planted during this period have an increased survival rate than those planted during other months.

To commemorate this festival, people usually plant native trees, considering their adaptability to local conditions. Native trees are also an ideal choice because they provide shelter to animals, birds, insects and other organisms. 

For further encouragement, civic bodies and State Governments provide saplings to schools, colleges, NGOs and other institutions.

Importance of Van Mahotsav Day

Greenery, as a whole, helps in maintaining ecological balance. Since trees are such a vital part in the ecosystem, it is the duty of each and every individual to preserve vegetation and root for a healthy, pollution-free environment.

However, due to urbanisation and industrialisation, more and more trees are cut down every day. Deforestation is an emerging concern and Van Mahotsav week aims to combat the environmental imbalance caused due to this action.

Here are a few statistics that highlight the importance of this movement:

• According to a study by The Global Forest Watch, in 2019-2020, India had to let go of around 38,500 hectares of tropical forest. This is an almost 14% tree cover loss. As a result, the entire tree cover area in the country decreased by 0.67%, and the region consisting of tropical forests fell by 0.38%.
• Over the last decade, deforestation has caused a total of 16% loss in forest area.

It is evident that forests are under constant threat due to obnoxious human activities. Van Mahotsav is an exemplary move to prevent the country’s vegetation from fading away.

Topics related to environmental conservation, deforestation and trees are included in the UPSC Syllabus and questions based on the same are asked both in the prelims and mains examination.

To get the latest exam updates, study material and preparation tips, visit BYJU’S.

Van Mahotsav [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here