Assam Launches ₹1.5-Crore Sapling Drive With 22 Lakh Students

Assam has launched a massive sapling plantation drive under the 'Brikshya Bandhu' initiative, with over 22 lakh students from Class VI onwards participating in the four-day statewide drive. The drive, which started on August 11, aims to plant over 1.5 crore saplings across the state.

The initiative was ceremonially launched by Environment & Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah at Damodardev International Auditorium in Guwahati. The Forest Department has distributed 1.57 crore saplings to participating educational institutions so far.

The 'Brikshya Bandhu' initiative has brought together 11,277 educational institutions across the state, with 21,28,495 students already registered for the drive. The programme is part of the Amrit Brikshya Andolan and aims to increase tree cover while developing a lasting sense of responsibility among the younger generation towards planting, protecting, and nurturing trees.

Minister Baruah thanked the students, teachers, Education Department, and officials of the Forest Department for their support. He emphasized that the programme is a six-month journey, and students will be required to upload geo-tagged photographs of their planted saplings on the Amrit Brikshya Andolan portal. A second photograph will be uploaded after six months to record the growth and survival of the trees.

Students who successfully complete the process will receive an online Brikshya Bandhu certificate, recognizing them as Friends of Trees. The Forest Department plans to prepare around a crore indigenous fruit-bearing saplings for a larger plantation initiative called 'Folbari' by next April.

Education Minister Ranoj Pegu highlighted the growing impact of climate change and emphasized the need for collective action to protect the environment. He appealed to students to nurture saplings with care, ensuring that they grow strong before being established at suitable locations.

The 'Brikshya Bandhu' initiative is a significant step towards increasing the state's tree cover and promoting environmental awareness among the younger generation. With the participation of over 22 lakh students, the initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on the state's environment.

The success of the initiative will depend on the students' ability to nurture and protect the saplings, ensuring that the maximum possible number survive. The Forest Department's plan to monitor the survival of planted saplings through geo-tagged photographs will help track the progress of the initiative.

In conclusion, the 'Brikshya Bandhu' initiative is a commendable effort by the Assam government to promote environmental awareness and increase the state's tree cover. With the participation of over 22 lakh students, the initiative has the potential to make a significant impact on the state's environment and promote a lasting sense of responsibility among the younger generation towards protecting and nurturing trees.

The initiative is also a step towards addressing climate-related challenges, which are becoming increasingly important in today's world. By promoting tree plantation and environmental awareness, the Assam government is taking a proactive approach to mitigating the effects of climate change.

Overall, the 'Brikshya Bandhu' initiative is a positive step towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for Assam. With the support of the students, teachers, and government officials, the initiative is expected to achieve its goals and make a lasting impact on the state's environment.