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On the occasion of Independence Day celebrations, the Assam Forest Department has planned to launch a mega plantation drive targeting the planting of 1 crore saplings across the state by August 14.
Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Thursday announced that the initiative will actively involve 10 lakh students from Class 9 and above. "We want to involve our students in this mega plantation drive. During the registration, the students will have to provide the name of one Job Card holder under the VB-G RAM-G Scheme. We have targeted to plant 1 crore saplings," Mallabaruah said while attending a Van Mahotsav program at the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district. The Minister added that from next year, the department intends to shift the timeline of this annual drive to April, focusing heavily on indigenous fruit varieties. "From next year, we have planned to start this drive in April. We have planned to plant 1 crore saplings of indigenous fruits next year," he added. As part of innovative conservation efforts, Mallabaruah revealed that the state is introducing aerial seeding on a trial basis in the riverine Char-Chapori areas. "This year, the state forest department is also planning to do aerial seedlings in the Char-Chapori areas of the state as a pilot project. If it becomes a success, then we will expand this to more areas," the Minister stated. Apart from the environment portfolio, Mallabaruah, who also holds the Finance department, dropped key hints regarding the upcoming Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly. Noting that this will be his first State Budget as Finance Minister, he stated that the upcoming financial layout will be "people-friendly." Responding to queries regarding demographic shifts and ongoing administrative actions in the state, the Minister reiterated the government's firm stance on removing encroachments. "Our government will continue the eviction drive, and our government is committed to protecting our indigenous people," Mallabaruah said, adding that illegal encroachments and demographic changes, particularly involving the "Miya Muslim community", remain areas of concern for the administration. (ANI)
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