Banamahotsav 2025: An Annual Statewide Green Celebration
Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Banamahotsav (Forest Festival) is being celebrated across West Bengal on July 14, 2025, as part of a continued commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. The event is organized by the Forest Department, Government of West Bengal, and marks a vital step toward preserving green cover and promoting ecological awareness.
Main Venue and Event Details
This year’s grand celebration will take place at Zoological Park, Madarihat, Rajabhatkhawa, on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Citizens are invited to join in this green initiative and make the event successful with their esteemed presence.
Theme of the Year (Banamahotsav 2025):
“Save Green, Show Green, Awaken Consciousness Through Green”
(সবুজ বাঁচাও, সবুজ দেখাও, সবুজের মাঝে বিবেক জাগাও)
This powerful slogan emphasizes the importance of conserving greenery, showcasing environmental achievements, and nurturing environmental consciousness.
Key Achievements and Highlights (Banamahotsav 2025)
- Massive Plantation Drive Since 2011
- Over 4.5 lakh bighas of land have been affected since 2011.
- Between 2011 and 2023, forest and tree cover in West Bengal increased to 22.28%.
- Flagship ‘Sabujshree’ Scheme
- Launched in May 2016, this initiative distributes saplings to mothers of newborns.
- 66 lakh saplings have been distributed to date under this scheme.
- Empowering Forest Workers through ‘Karmashree’
- ₹20.05 crore paid as wages to 24,564 workers involved in forest-related activities.
- Mangrove Conservation in Coastal Regions
- 20 crore mangrove saplings planted in three coastal districts near the Sundarbans.
International and Financial Collaboration
JICA & Climate Change Mitigation
- The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is supporting a ₹650 crore project titled “Project for Forest and Biodiversity Conservation for Climate Change Response in West Bengal”—timeline till 2031.
Wildlife Conservation Support from France
- A ₹800 crore wildlife conservation project funded by the French Government is being implemented to address climate challenges.
Forest Revenue and Economic Impact
- In 2024–25, forest produce generated ₹214.59 crore through timber e-auctions.
- Of this, ₹88.63 crore went to the state treasury as royalty, while ₹81.84 crore was distributed among Joint Forest Management Committees.
Local & Indigenous Initiatives
- The Mouli honey collected from the Sundarbans by local honey collectors has received Geographical Indication (GI) status.
Human-Wildlife Conflict Support
- In case of death due to wildlife, a ₹5 lakh compensation is provided within 24 hours.
- A family member of the deceased is also appointed as a Forest Volunteer.
- So far, 554 such appointments have been made.
West Bengal Zoo Rankings & Conservation Success
- Darjeeling Zoo was ranked 2nd and Alipore Zoo 4th in India (2022–2023).
- In 2025, 58.88 lakh people visited 12 state zoos.
- West Bengal’s Snow Leopard Conservation project has been recognized internationally by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Get Involved
For any forest or wildlife-related issues, citizens can contact the Toll-Free Helpline at 1800-345-3418, managed by Aranya Bhawan.
Read More: Bharat Electronics Advisor Recruitment 2025 | Apply Now –BE/B.Tech/M.Sc./Ph.D
