DHARMANAGAR, July 3 (TIWN): The 68th State level Van Mahotsav has been observed at Dharmanagar on Monday.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has inaugurate the programme at BBI ground, Dharmanagar.

Forest Minister Naresh Jamatia, Minister Bijita Nath also remained present on that occasion.

Van Mahotsav is an annual tree-planting movement in India, which began in 1950. The name Van Mahotsava means "the festival of trees", celebrated every year in Northeast State Tripura.

Presently due to rapid urbanization and excessive rubber plantation, the eco-balance is under threat.

Van Mahotsav is an annual tree-planting festival in India, celebrated in the first week of July. This movement was initiated in the year 1950 by India's Union Minister for Agriculture, Kulapati Dr.K M Munshi.This festival has gained immense national importance and every year, millions of saplings are planted all across India in observation of the Van Mahotsav week.

It is expected that every citizen of India has to plant a sapling in the Van Mahotsav week.

 It helps spread awareness amongst people about the harm caused by the cutting down of trees. People celebrate Van Mahotsava by planting trees or saplings in homes, offices, schools, colleges, etc. Awareness campaigns are held at various levels.

 Novel promotions like free circulation of trees are also taken up by various organizations and volunteers.