Guwahati: Nalbari district in Assam has firmly established itself as a torchbearer in the state’s verdant push, successfully planting over 1.7 million saplings since 2023. This impressive feat, achieved under a confluence of state and central government environmental initiatives, underscores a significant surge in greening efforts across the region.
Official figures from the Nalbari Social Forestry Division highlight a remarkable increase, with 16,96,220 seedlings taking root in 2024 alone. This represents an almost fivefold jump from the 3,47,991 saplings planted in the preceding year. These extensive plantation drives were meticulously executed as part of prominent national and state-led campaigns, including ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and the ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan’, drawing enthusiastic participation from a diverse demographic, including students, women’s self-help groups, and various community organisations.
Educational institutions have emerged as pivotal contributors to this green surge. Schools and colleges across Nalbari collectively accounted for planting over 50,000 saplings through the ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan’. This concerted effort reflects a strategic approach to ingrain environmental stewardship among the younger generation, with primary and middle schools alone contributing a substantial 34,035 saplings to this initiative.
The central government’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, which commenced on World Environment Day in 2023, has also garnered significant traction within the district. To date, 80,053 saplings have been planted under this heartfelt campaign, encouraging individuals to honour their mothers by planting a tree.
Officials proudly report a survival rate exceeding 94% for saplings planted in 2023, a figure notably higher than the national average. This success is largely attributed to the diligent maintenance and strategic fencing efforts undertaken by the Social Forestry Division. A special plantation drive in Madhapur, meticulously supervised by Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka, even achieved a remarkable 100% survival rate for the planted saplings.
“The high participation shows that environmental awareness is now deeply rooted in our communities,” remarked Deputy Commissioner Deka, acknowledging the seamless coordination between government departments, NGOs, and grassroots organisations as instrumental to this sustained success.
Nalbari’s outstanding performance during the ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan 2024’ saw it clinch the top spot in Assam. This distinction is largely credited to the spirited involvement of women from self-help groups, whose active engagement transformed the initiative from a potentially top-down directive into a truly community-led movement.
Local non-governmental organisations, particularly those dedicated to conservation, have played a vital supporting role. “It’s a reflection of our district’s commitment to sustainability,” stated Biswajit Sarma, secretary of the Green Globe NGO.
Beyond the undeniable environmental benefits, authorities have underscored how these plantation drives also serve to forge stronger social and emotional bonds within the community. “Planting a tree in a mother’s name is not just a tribute — it’s a legacy,” articulated Dr Kailash Deka, Joint Director of Health.
The programme has successfully ignited a sense of civic pride and ownership among residents. “Schools are at the heart of this transformation,” commented Jayanta Thakuria, Inspector of Schools, Nalbari. “Children are learning by doing — not just about science, but about their role in protecting the planet.”
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