Assam will undertake an ambitious project to plant three crore saplings between August 1 and 15, stated Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the State’s forest cover.
During a press conference, the CM outlined the State’s goal to plant 10 crore saplings over the next three to four years. This extensive planting effort aims to increase Assam’s forest cover by two per cent. “Our target this year is three crore saplings. Last year, we exceeded our goal of one crore saplings, planting 1.12 crore, with a 90 per cent survival rate,” noted CM Himanta.
To achieve this goal, the State Government has enlisted the support of various agencies and organisations, including the army, air force, SSB, CRPF, BSF, schools, colleges, self-help groups, and NGOs. This coordinated effort is part of the ‘Amrit Briksha Andolan’ campaign.
Himanta Sarma asserted that planting 10 crore saplings within the proposed timeframe will have a significant environmental impact in the coming five to six years. In addition to these efforts, the government is also focusing on afforestation in reclaimed areas resulting from forest evictions.
“Through evictions, we have gained land for reforestation. To date, we have cleared about 10,000 hectares of forest land and are also removing revenue villages to make way for solar power projects,” added CM Himanta.
The State has reclaimed substantial areas from the Brahmaputra River, which had been eroded over time. “Plantation drives are ongoing in these reclaimed areas, and we will persist in clearing forest lands to support our afforestation goals,” he concluded.
