Guwahati: A massive fire has destroyed nearly 1 million saplings planted under Assam’s Amrit Vriksha Andolan in Chikaribhanga, Udalguri. This devastating incident has turned a historic afforestation initiative into a symbol of loss and controversy. The ambitious plantation drive, launched by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma nearly a year ago, aimed to surpass Pakistan’s record of planting 8 lakh saplings in 24 hours.
Assam proudly achieved the milestone of 1 million saplings in a single day, but this achievement was short-lived. Miscreants allegedly set fire to the site, reducing the young trees to ashes within minutes. The initiative, executed under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme, was a massive investment of Rs 3.33 crore.
The Assam Forest Department had taken up the challenge of transforming 100 hectares of barren land along the Assam-Arunachal border into a thriving green zone. However, the destruction of the saplings has sparked intense debate over the sustainability of such large-scale afforestation efforts. Eyewitnesses and local reports confirm that the fire was an act of deliberate arson.
Many blame the Assam Forest Department’s negligence, arguing that despite the enormous financial investment, adequate measures were not in place to protect the plantation from such an attack. Environmental activist Dilip Nath has strongly criticized the project’s execution, alleging that planting saplings in dry land during drought conditions, without ensuring a sustainable irrigation system, was a glaring misuse of government funds.
The fallout from the fire has reignited a larger debate about the effectiveness of government-led afforestation projects. While grand plantation drives create impressive headlines, critics argue that their long-term success hinges on proper care, protection, and community involvement. Without a dedicated maintenance plan, large-scale afforestation efforts may fail to deliver on their promise of environmental restoration.
The Assam Forest Department and local administration have launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are working to identify those responsible for the arson while assessing the extent of the financial and ecological loss. Although no official announcement has been made regarding the replanting of the lost trees, experts are urging the government to reconsider its afforestation approach.
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