Guwahati: Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah on Thursday announced that the state will undertake a massive plantation drive under the Amrit Brikshya Andolan, with a target of planting one crore saplings across Assam between August 10 and August 14.
The announcement was made during a plantation programme at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to mark the 77th Van Mahotsav. The Minister, accompanied by forest officials and local residents, planted 77 saplings to commemorate the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Baruah said the campaign would witness the participation of nearly 10 lakh students from Class IX onwards, including college, engineering and medical students. Each participant will plant 10 saplings as part of the statewide afforestation initiative.
To ensure the survival of the saplings, the Minister said job card holders will be entrusted with their maintenance and will receive incentives based on the survival rate of the plantations.
Baruah also announced the launch of the ‘Phalbari’ initiative, under which one crore indigenous fruit saplings will be distributed across the state from April next year. To support the programme, new nurseries will be established from October this year, with the objective of promoting biodiversity and strengthening food security.
As part of the state’s green initiatives, every forest range will develop a ‘Birthday Garden’, encouraging people to celebrate their birthdays by planting trees. The government also plans to restore ecologically sensitive char and chapori areas through the use of seed-ball technology.
The Minister further stated that the state government’s crackdown on illegal sawmills is continuing, adding that enforcement agencies are carrying out action against such operations on a daily basis across Assam.
