GUWAHATI: On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti this year, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday that 1 crore saplings will be planted throughout the state. He stated that this will be done to increase green cover in the state and give a boost to the tree economy.
CM Sarma stated the state government will reward citizens with Rs. 100 for planting a sapling and an additional Rs. 200 if it survives for three years. Sarma made the remarks while speaking at a gathering commemorating the Amrit Plantation Programme' in Chandubi, Kamrup.
Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that in order to develop a tree economy, a family or an individual should plant saplings that will benefit them in three years.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking on the Assam Forest legislation, 1891, stated that the legislation has been altered and will now allow people to plant commercial trees that may be utilised for felling without the government's consent.
Taking on twitter CM Sarma also stated that, “this initiative will:
1. Contribute to the reduction of climate change.
2. Expand our tree economy by offering Rs 300 per sapling.
3. By 2028, our forest cover will have increased by 38%.
To kickstart this #AmritPlantation movement, today, I joined Hon’ble Governor & other dignitaries at Chandubi.”
CM also said that, “I sympathise with everyone who is suffering from high temperatures and burning heat.
To restore appropriate temperatures, we must enhance our forest cover, phase out fossil fuels, and free up encroached forest lands.”
On the other hand, Guwahati reported a maximum temperature of 38.9° C on Wednesday, which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) claimed was the second highest maximum temperature for the month of June in the previous 12 years since 2011.
According to the IMD, the greatest maximum temperature ever recorded in Guwahati during the month of June was 39°C on June 13, 2019.
Also Watch: