Dipak Kurmi
(The writer can be reached at dipaknewslive@gmail.com)
The intricate dance of life relies on the grand presence of trees. These majestic beings of the Earth weave together the fabric of a habitable world for an array of creatures, including the ever-curious humans. Across the annals of history, the profound wisdom of sages and thinkers has found solace in the embrace of these arboreal wonders, often deeming them deities in recognition of their unparalleled significance. The roots of respect for trees run deep in the tapestry of human civilization, spanning the ages. Under the benevolent boughs of these guardians, a multitude of creatures have sought refuge and sustenance, perpetually answering our primal needs. However, with the march of so-called “civilization,” the guardians of the forest have borne the brunt of human progress. The relentless onslaught of deforestation, the hallmark of modern society’s advancement, has cast a shadow that has darkened the forests for the past three centuries.
The intricate choreography of nature unfolds as each element plays its harmonious role, collaborating to maintain the delicate equilibrium of the environment. In this grand symphony, every participant has a well-defined function, a piece of the puzzle essential to preserving balance. Yet, amid this orchestrated dance, humanity stands as the unruly disruptor, introducing a discordant note that reverberates through the ecological orchestra, leading to catastrophic consequences. This disruption has inflicted hardships upon the inhabitants of the natural world, pushing some into the abyss of extinction due to actions by humans that often seemed inconsequential at the time.
The generous bosom of nature offers numerous gifts, and among its treasures is the precious boon of plants, bestowing upon Earth the invaluable gift of pure, freely given oxygen. It’s a universal truth, acknowledged by all, that oxygen is the lifeblood of the larger denizens of our planet, including humans, animals, and soaring avian wonders. Yet, paradoxically, there exists a silent contest to exploit nature’s green sentinels, one that unfolds without proclamation or protest. The act of felling trees, however, extends far beyond the mere loss of pristine oxygen. Its consequences delve deeper into the intricate web of life, impacting far more than meets the eye.
The clarion call for environmental stewardship reverberates through the state of Assam as the government embarks on a noble endeavour named the ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan.’ This ambitious movement sets its sights on the planting of an astounding 1 crore trees, a feat to be accomplished in a mere three hours on the 17th of September. The visionary Chief Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma, inaugurated this green crusade with the unveiling of a comprehensive web portal, a user-friendly mobile application, and a resonant theme song.
This mission is not merely a brief burst of activity; rather, it’s a steadfast commitment that stretches its green arms towards the horizon, aiming to leave an indelible mark by 2070. It stands in harmonious alignment with the Prime Minister’s unwavering dedication to climate conservation, merging the timeless wisdom of Mother Nature with the cutting-edge marvels of modern technology, all while harnessing the unyielding spirit of Assam’s diligent farmers.
At the heart of this movement lies a holistic approach that not only safeguards the environment and confronts the looming spectre of climate change but also seeks to enhance the livelihoods of the very farmers who nurture the land. The spirit of agroforestry takes root as farmers are empowered to cultivate valuable trees that offer sustenance and prosperity in equal measure. The synergy between government nurseries and proactive farmers ensures that this ambitious endeavour will flourish.
In this green symphony, the government pledges to sow the seeds of trees that serve a dual purpose, benefiting the environment while also contributing to the timber industry and bolstering the economy, a testament to Assam’s unwavering commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
The imperativeness of the ‘Amrit Tree Movement’ becomes glaringly evident when one peers into the recent annals of Assam’s environmental narrative. Here, the symbiosis between development and deforestation has come to the fore, and national highways and construction projects have exacted a toll on the state’s verdant landscapes. The stark reality, as underscored by data spanning from 2001 to 2020, reveals a disheartening loss of 2,690 square kilometres of forest cover, a haunting echo of trees felled in the wake of expansion projects such as the East-West corridor.
Development, while propelling progress, has also cast a long shadow of pollution and human-animal conflicts, underscoring the need for a harmonious coexistence between civilization and nature. The dichotomy is unmistakable: despite priding itself on its lush greenery, the state stands witness to the disheartening transformation of fertile agricultural lands and pristine forests into an unforgiving embrace of concrete.
Comparative analysis further accentuates Assam’s vulnerability in this regard, with neighbouring states like Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh boasting a resplendent 75% forest cover while Assam languishes at a modest 34.2%. In light of these sobering facts, the ‘Amrit Tree Movement’ emerges as a laudable and timely intervention, one that seeks to reverse the tide of environmental degradation and champion a future where Assam’s ecological richness thrives alongside its developmental aspirations.
The ramifications of tree felling, or deforestation, have triggered a chain reaction of dire consequences that reverberate throughout our ecosystem. At the heart of this environmental upheaval lies the decline in carbon dioxide absorption and the compromised capacity to neutralise pernicious greenhouse gases. This unsettling cascade has sown the seeds of myriad afflictions, from the ominous spectre of global warming to the capricious shifts in our climate.
The intricately balanced carbon cycle, a fundamental pillar of Earth’s equilibrium, has been thrown into disarray, and the natural order has been irrevocably disrupted. The collateral damage extends to the irreplaceable loss of diverse plant and animal species, the transformation of fertile lands into arid deserts, and the perturbation of the delicate water cycle.
These adverse effects ripple outward, diminishing the ground’s water-holding capacity, giving rise to floods and landslides, and depositing unwelcome sand into rivers and fields. Soil quality for agriculture is compromised, and humidity levels are thrown off kilter. This domino effect reverberates through human settlements, leading to structural damage and exacerbating conflicts between humans and wildlife.
Even more disheartening is the irrevocable loss of entire species of animals and birds as casualties of this relentless assault on their habitats. As humanity treads a precarious path in the face of a changing climate that threatens our very existence, the alarm bells are ringing louder than ever.
The call to action is unmistakable, echoing from environmental experts who tirelessly advocate for a solution as stark as it is simple: we must proliferate the presence of trees across our planet. The realization dawns that trees are not just an ecological accessory but a lifeline for all living beings. Humanity is beginning to heed this rallying cry, as a groundswell of interest in tree planting and conservation sweeps across the globe.
The success of the ambitious ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan,’ as articulated by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma, hinges profoundly on the genuine commitment and collaboration of the people. This movement, designed to be an invaluable catalyst for the state’s economic, social, and environmental well-being, bears the promise of transformation. Its inaugural target—to plant one crore trees on September 17, with an overarching goal of nurturing five crore trees over the next half-decade—bears testament to its far-reaching vision.
However, the path to realising this vision is far from simplistic. The act of transforming a sapling into a formidable tree demands more than mere symbolic gestures. If it were otherwise, Assam would indeed be a lush forest by now, given the extensive tree planting endeavours spearheaded by institutions, NGOs, and governments. The fact that this verdant transformation remains elusive primarily stems from the misconception that planting a sapling marks the culmination of one’s duty.
The truth is that the journey from sapling to tree is a nuanced and demanding one. Mere social media posts featuring tree-planting activities on designated days fall short of what is required. To foster the growth of these nascent saplings into robust trees, unwavering attention to detail is imperative. This entails erecting protective fencing, ensuring regular and adequate watering, providing essential nourishment through fertilisation, and maintaining the cleanliness of the planting site. Only through such dedicated and comprehensive care can the vision of ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan’ come to full fruition.
The previous CAMPA scheme, with its aspirations for forest enrichment, fell short of achieving the anticipated outcomes. In light of the government’s resolute commitment to the ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan,’ it becomes imperative for all participants to embrace a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Assam’s soil composition, which is not particularly conducive to robust plant growth, underscores the significance of unravelling the mysteries behind the saplings’ struggles to survive. A noteworthy aspect of Assam’s environmental dynamics is the onset of the dry season, which commences post-September and extends through April. In this context, the imperative of consistent watering for seven consecutive months following planting emerges as a critical factor in ensuring the saplings’ vitality.
The government’s unequivocal aspiration is to witness the flourishing of each tree, and they have taken a positive stride by announcing a commendable reward of Rs 300 per tree. This incentive aligns with the overarching vision of the ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan,’ further reinforcing the collective resolve to transform Assam’s landscape through reforestation.