CM Himanta Biswa Sarma holds meeting with DCs on mega tree plantation drive

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a meeting with the Deputy Commissioners to discuss the plan of action for the implementation of three ambitious initiatives of the state government at Janata Bhawan on Thursday. These initiatives are the plantation of one crore saplings across Assam to boost commercial wood production and environment protection, Khel Maharan, and Sanskritik Mahasangram for creating an inclusive environment for identifying talents in the fields of sports and culture. The Chief Minister said that under the proposed plantation initiative, this year around one crore saplings having commercial value would be planted on a single day across Assam. He said though SHG members, Anganwadi workers and helpers, ASHA workers, police, including VDPs and battalions, tea gardens, educational institutions, and government offices have been identified as target groups, DCs should encourage the voluntary participation of people, NGOs, and public and religious institutions in the drive to turn the exercise into a mass movement. He said the focus of this drive should not only be on plantations alone but also on ownership, as this would boost commercial wood production and increase green cover in the long run. As part of the initiative, a portal has been developed for the registration of people who are willing to join the drive. After plantation, geo-tagged photos will be required to be uploaded, and an incentive of Rs. 100 for plantation and Rs. 200 if the tree survives will be provided. Plantations can be done on one’s own farm land and at institutions as well. The Environment and Forest Department has already identified 175–180 stocking hubs for the storage and distribution of saplings.

The Chief Minister said that “Khel Maharan” and “Sanskritik Mahasangram” will be organized from the grassroots level to promote sports and cultural environments and find out talents. Under Khel Maharan, sports competitions will be held in five disciplines, i.e., athletics, kabbadi, kho-kho, football, and volleyball, from October this year to January next. These competitions will be conducted starting from the revenue village level to the gaon panchayat, further to the district, and finally at the state level. In the case of BTC, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao, instead of gaon panchayat, the competitions will be held at VCDC or MAC level.

The Chief Minister further said that the Sanskritik Mahasangram will be a unique showcase of the state’s cultural talents. Under this, every revenue village will organize competitions in six categories. These are Jyoti Sangeet, Rabha Sangeet, Bhupendra Sangeet, Rabindra Sangeet, Bihu, and tribal dance. The winners of these competitions in the revenue villages will compete amongst themselves at the gaon panchayat and district levels, which will culminate in a competition at the state level. He urged the DCs to put all their efforts into making the initiatives successful.

Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora, Sports Minister Nandita Gorlosa, Chief Secretary Paban Kumar Borthakur, DGP GP Singh, PCCF MK Yadav, Additional Chief Secretaries, and senior state government officials were also present in the meeting., stated a press release.

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