SMS News Bureau Rourkela The 77th Van Mahotsav–2026 was celebrated by Rourkela Forest Division on 06 July 2026 under the theme "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam." The programme was graced by Hon'ble Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. The programme was attended by Hon'ble Shri Sarada Prasad Nayak, MLA, Rourkela; Hon'ble Shri Laxman Munda, MLA, Bonai;Shri Ranjit Nayak {representative of shri Dilip Ray, MP Rajyasabha }Shri Alok Verma, Director In-charge, Rourkela Steel Plant; Shri Ramaswamy P., Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Rourkela Circle; Prof. K. Umamaheswar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela; Dr. Subhankar Mohapatra, Collector & District Magistrate, Sundargarh; and Shri Jashabanta Sethi, Divisional Forest Officer, Bonai Forest Division. During the programme, the Hon'ble Union Minister visited the Miyawaki Plantation Site, participated in the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" plantation drive, and interacted with school students and the public, encouraging greater participation in environmental conservation. For the year 2026–27, Rourkela Forest Division has been entrusted with the target of distributing 14.60 lakh seedlings and planting 3.20 lakh saplings to enhance green cover, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable forest management.