- The message of environmental protection was given to the students through forest visits, tree plantation and nature education.
The Forest Department in Chhattisgarh has launched the “Yuvan” program to connect the new generation with nature and wildlife conservation. Under this initiative, young people in the state are recruited as “Yuvan Volunteers” (Green Leaders) and are provided with specialized training in forest ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as tree planting during events like the Van Mahotsav.
As per the instructions of Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Forest Festival was organised in Balodabazar Forest Division under the guidance of Divisional Forest Officer Shri Dhammasheel Ganvir under the “YUVAN-Youth for Nature” programme which is organised every Saturday. Under the programme, students were taken on a forest tour and were made aware about environmental conservation through activities like tree plantation, seed ball planting and nature education. The objective of this programme is to give practical information about forest, wildlife, water and soil conservation, biodiversity and environmental conservation to the students and the local community and to connect them with nature conservation.
- More than 200 students participated enthusiastically.
More than 200 students participated in programs held in the Devpur, Sonakhan, Barnawapara, and Baldakchar forest ranges. Students were taken on forest tours, educating them on the importance of forests and wildlife, environmental balance, water and soil conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources. They were told that the role of youth is crucial in environmental protection.
- Plantation done under the campaign ‘One Tree for Mother’
As part of the Forest Festival, a “One Tree for Mother” campaign was also launched. During this campaign, students, teachers, forest management committees, and villagers jointly planted trees. Forty-three shade trees were planted at Chandan Higher Secondary School. An essay competition was also organized to encourage students to think creatively about the environment.
- Learning about natural regeneration through seed ball planting
The program taught students how to prepare and plant seed balls of local fruit species such as mango, kosam, char, and baheda. They also received hands-on training on natural regeneration, seed conservation, and the importance of seed ball technology.
- Information given on water, soil and biodiversity conservation
Students were briefed on measures to prevent soil erosion, water conservation, the importance of biodiversity, the usefulness of medicinal and local plants, and human-wildlife coexistence. They were also informed about conservation efforts being undertaken by the Forest Department and the role of Forest Management Committees.
- Increasing public participation from schools to the community
Along with students, teachers, forest management committee officials, women’s groups, village panchayat representatives, local villagers, forest officials, forest staff, and security workers also actively participated in the program. This makes the Yuvan program an effective medium for promoting nature education as well as public participation.
- Efforts to prepare youth sensitive towards nature
Divisional Forest Officer, Mr. Dhammasheel Ganvir, stated that the Yuvan program’s objective is not only to provide students with environmental information, but also to provide them with opportunities to learn in nature. He added that only when children gain a closer understanding of forests, wildlife, water sources, and biodiversity will they develop a lasting sense of environmental protection. The Balodabazar Forest Division’s goal through the Yuvan program is to cultivate a new generation of youth who are sensitive, responsible, and aware of nature.
