Environment – Assam Mobilises Women’s Groups for Statewide Tree Plantation Campaign
Environment – The Assam government is preparing to launch a major tree plantation campaign across the state on June 5 to mark World Environment Day. The initiative is expected to bring together more than 35 lakh women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with a target of planting one crore saplings in a single day. The programme is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental protection and encourage community participation in ecological conservation.
Large-Scale Participation Planned Across Assam
Announcing the initiative, Assam Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora said the campaign reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining ecological balance through extensive plantation activities. The drive is designed to involve women from SHGs across different districts, making it one of the largest community-based plantation efforts undertaken in the state.
According to the minister, the participation of millions of women will play a significant role in expanding green cover while also promoting awareness about environmental responsibility among local communities. The plantation programme is expected to be carried out simultaneously in various regions of Assam with support from local administrative bodies.
Government Focus on Environmental Protection
The minister highlighted that environmental conservation remains a key priority for the state administration. He noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, several initiatives have been implemented to support sustainable development and natural resource preservation.
These efforts include afforestation projects, restoration of degraded forest areas, promotion of cleaner energy alternatives and the use of modern technologies to improve conservation practices. The upcoming plantation campaign is being viewed as another important step in strengthening Assam’s long-term environmental goals.
Review Meeting Held Ahead of Campaign
To assess preparations for the programme, Atul Bora chaired a review meeting in Guwahati with senior officials from the Panchayat and Rural Development Department. The meeting focused on evaluating the readiness of various departments and finalising the implementation strategy for the large-scale plantation exercise.
Officials reviewed logistical arrangements, coordination plans and monitoring mechanisms that will be required to ensure smooth execution of the campaign. Representatives from the Environment and Forest Department also participated in the discussions and shared inputs regarding plantation management and supervision.
Directions Issued for Effective Implementation
During the meeting, the minister instructed officials to complete all necessary preparations well in advance of the event. He emphasised the importance of proper coordination, public participation and continuous monitoring to ensure that the plantation drive achieves its intended objectives.
The government is also expected to establish mechanisms to track the progress of sapling plantation and encourage long-term maintenance of the trees after planting. Officials discussed strategies to maximise community involvement and ensure that plantation activities are carried out effectively across different locations.
Discussion on Rural Development Programmes
Apart from the World Environment Day campaign, the review meeting also covered several ongoing initiatives under the Panchayat and Rural Development Department. Among them was the Lakhpati Baideo programme, which aims to support the economic empowerment of women through livelihood opportunities and financial inclusion measures.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Commissioner Keerthi Jalli, ASRLM Mission Director Kuntalmoni Sarma Bordoloi, senior programme officials Anindita Deka and Nabajit Bharali, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Hirdesh Mishra, along with other departmental representatives involved in the implementation of the state’s development and environmental programmes.