Assam Achieves Record Sapling Plantation on World Environment Day
Historic Plantation Drive in Assam
Assam CM participating in the World Environment Day plantation initiative (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, June 5: On World Environment Day, Assam successfully planted over 1.02 crore saplings in just over eight hours, marking a significant achievement in the state's environmental efforts, as noted by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
“In a remarkable span of just over eight hours, more than 1.02 crore saplings were planted by the citizens, spearheaded by the dynamic Nari Shakti of Assam, setting a new benchmark in our greening initiatives,” Sarma expressed in a social media update, commending the women of the state for their contributions.
According to the data shared by the Chief Minister, a total of 1,02,35,632 saplings were planted by 35,34,746 registered Self-Help Group (SHG) members throughout Assam.
Barpeta district led the way with 5,54,666 saplings planted, followed closely by Golaghat (5,36,590), Biswanath (5,36,000), Nagaon (5,25,493), and Dhubri (5,12,193). In contrast, Dima Hasao (North Cachar Hills) had the lowest count with only 30,981 saplings.
In Kamrup district, 2,10,895 registered SHG members contributed to the planting of 4,46,968 saplings, while Kamrup Metro saw 69,248 saplings planted by 33,729 SHG members.
Earlier, Sarma participated in the initiative by planting a Rudraksh sapling at his residence in Guwahati, as part of the ambitious goal to plant one crore saplings.
“Fueled by our Nari Shakti, this initiative will foster a greener and more sustainable Assam,” the Chief Minister stated during the launch of the campaign.
The plantation drive was accompanied by various World Environment Day events across the state.
In Nalbari, the Regional Forest Office distributed saplings to schools, government offices, and organizations.
Officials reported that over 1,500 saplings were distributed during the observance, with recipients encouraged to care for the plants to ensure lasting environmental benefits.
In Hajo, local organizations distributed and planted around 1,000 saplings at Hajo Higher Secondary School, along with awareness programs on environmental conservation, plastic pollution, and sustainable living.
Voluntary organizations in Hajo distributing saplings to school children on World Environment Day (Photo: AT)
Additionally, a central World Environment Day event was held in Chirang at Deosri, Raipur, near the India-Bhutan border.
Chirang DFO Kunjan Basumatary announced a target of planting one million saplings in Bijni and Sidli subdivisions from June 5 to September 17.
BTC Chief participating in the plantation drive (Photo: AT)
BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary urged the community to halt forest destruction, emphasizing that no further damage to forest land would be tolerated.
"What has occurred in the past is done, but we will not allow any more forest destruction. We are committed to protecting forest areas by all means necessary," Mohilary stated.
He encouraged residents to actively engage in plantation drives and contribute to the preservation of the region's forests and environment.