Ziro, Jul 3: The essence of celebration of Van Mahotsov and importance of afforestation should be spread to every nook and corner of Ziro plateau particularly to the youth and elders in the villages, said local MLA Hage Appa here today.
​While participating in the 75th Van Mahotsov at the picturesque Pechi Putu, the venue of Ziro Festival of Music, the MLA said deforestation and afforestation is a natural phenomenon for tribals. ‘The system of symbiotic relationship between man and forest needs to be further strengthened in the valley, and I particularly urge the youth to lay more stress on afforestation as practiced by our forefathers since generations,’ he said. 
​Further appealing the youth not to get deviated from the aged-old practice of striking a fine balance between man and forest, the MLA said the onset of modernity and commercialization of forest produces should not distort the sacred relationship between man and forest.
​Meanwhile, the MLA appealed Miha Pelo, the land owner clan of ZFM ground to erect a bamboo fencing all around the festival ground till a concrete boundary wall comes up. 
​Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Vivek H.P urged for a collaborative approach between the forest department and the denizens of Ziro plateau to upkeep the sanctity of healthy symbiotic relationship between man and nature in the valley.  ‘Sustainable Development would be more meaningful when ownership lies with the communities. Government is just a facilitator and the onus of sustaining the greenery of the valley lies with the people and the communities,’ the DC explained, while acknowledging the responsibility of nurturing the plants planted during the Van Mahotsov by the Liagi Tage clan members.
​Earlier in his keynote address, Divisional Forest Officer Nani Sha spoke at length on the importance of Van Mahotsov, the festival of trees.  
​Highlighting that Arunachal Pradesh is lucky to have 79.33 percentage of forest coverage compared to 21.7 percent national average, the DFO informed that during the day more than 200 varieties of fruit bearing and ornamental trees were planted in and around the ZFM ground. ‘The Pechi Putu or the ZFM ground is the most centrally located spot in the valley where tourists frequently visit and music Page 2.. 
....Symbiotic relationship between man and forest
lovers from across the globe gather during the ZFM. We decided to carry out the plantation programme here in order to beautify the ground and also spread the message of importance of tree plantation to both visitors and locals alike,’ he said.
​Range forest Officers Oyang Dusu and Ngilyang Tachang also spoke during the occasion.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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