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In Short: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma plans to plant 1 crore saplings on Gandhi Jayanti to boost the state's green cover and tree economy. Citizens will be rewarded ₹100 for planting a sapling and ₹200 if it survives for three years. The Assam Forest legislation has been amended to allow commercial tree planting without government consent. The initiative aims to combat climate change and increase forest cover by 38% by 2028.
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a significant initiative to promote environmental conservation and boost the state's tree economy on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. A target of planting 1 crore saplings throughout Assam was set to enhance the green cover of the region. CM Sarma emphasized the importance of developing a tree economy and stated that families and individuals would benefit from planting saplings that will yield rewards in three years.
Under this ambitious plan, citizens will be incentivized to actively participate in the tree plantation drive. For every sapling planted, individuals will receive a reward of Rs. 100, with an additional Rs. 200 granted if the sapling successfully survives for three years. This program aims to encourage widespread engagement in environmental conservation while contributing to the overall well-being of the state.
Furthermore, CM Sarma highlighted significant changes to the Assam Forest legislation of 1891. The updated legislation now permits the planting of commercial trees without requiring the government's consent, thereby facilitating the growth of a thriving tree economy within the state.
Taking to Twitter to announce the initiative, CM Sarma outlined the multiple benefits of the #AmritPlantation movement. He highlighted how it will contribute to reducing climate change, expand the tree economy through the provision of Rs. 300 per sapling, and project a remarkable 38% increase in forest cover by 2028.
During the inauguration of the Amrit Plantation Programme in Chandubi, Kamrup, CM Sarma expressed his empathy for those suffering from high temperatures and scorching heat. He emphasized the need to restore appropriate temperatures by enhancing the forest cover, phasing out the use of fossil fuels, and reclaiming encroached forest lands.
Hon'ble CM Dr @himantabiswa addressing the media on the sidelines of Amrit Plantation programme. pic.twitter.com/sucAoTb15T
— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) June 8, 2023
Meanwhile, Guwahati experienced soaring temperatures, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a maximum temperature of 38.9°C on Wednesday. This temperature was noted as the second highest maximum temperature recorded in the month of June over the past 12 years since 2011.
The upcoming plantation drive on Gandhi Jayanti signifies Assam's commitment to sustainable development, environmental preservation, and fostering a flourishing tree economy. By actively involving citizens in the initiative and implementing progressive forest legislation, the state aims to create a greener and more prosperous future for its residents.