Guwahati: The Assam Government has announced an ambitious series of afforestation and ecological restoration programmes, including a statewide campaign to plant one crore saplings under the Amrit Brikshya Andolan between August 10 and August 14.
Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah made the announcement on Thursday while participating in a plantation programme at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to mark the 77th Van Mahotsav. During the event, the Minister, along with forest officials and local residents, planted 77 saplings.
Highlighting the scale of the campaign, Baruah said nearly 10 lakh students, including those studying in Class IX and above, as well as college, engineering and medical institutions, will take part by planting 10 saplings each. He added that job card holders will be engaged to look after the plantations and will receive incentives based on the survival of the saplings.
The Minister also announced the launch of the ‘Phalbari’ programme, under which one crore indigenous fruit saplings will be distributed from April next year. To support the initiative, nurseries will be developed across the state from October this year, with the aim of enhancing biodiversity and improving food security.
In another green initiative, every forest range in Assam will establish a ‘Birthday Garden’ to encourage citizens to mark their birthdays by planting trees. The Forest Department will also undertake restoration of char and chapori areas through seed-ball technology as part of its ecological conservation efforts.
Baruah further said that the government’s drive against illegal sawmills remains active, with enforcement agencies carrying out regular operations across the state to curb unlawful activities and protect forest resources.
