The Assam Forest Department will launch a massive plantation campaign ahead of Independence Day with a target of planting one crore saplings by August 14. Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah announced that nearly 10 lakh students from Class 9 and above will participate through the VB-G RAM-G Scheme.
In addition, the department will introduce aerial seeding in Char-Chapori areas on a pilot basis. From next year, the government will shift the annual plantation drive to April and focus more on indigenous fruit-bearing trees. The initiative aims to strengthen environmental conservation while encouraging active public participation.
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Key Facts
- State: Assam
- Target: One crore saplings by August 14
- Participants: Around 10 lakh students from Class 9 and above
- Scheme: VB-G RAM-G Scheme
- Announced by: Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah
- Venue: Van Mahotsav programme at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
- New Initiative: Pilot aerial seeding in Char-Chapori areas
- Future Plan: Annual plantation drive to begin in April
Assam Begins Statewide Plantation Campaign
The Assam Forest Department has launched an ambitious plantation campaign to mark Independence Day. As part of the initiative, the department aims to plant one crore saplings across the state before August 14.
Moreover, the government plans to involve nearly 10 lakh students from Class 9 and above in the campaign. Students will register by submitting the name of a Job Card holder under the VB-G RAM-G Scheme.
Students to Lead Green Initiative
Speaking at the Van Mahotsav programme in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah stressed the importance of youth participation in environmental protection.
According to the Minister, involving students in plantation activities will encourage environmental awareness and create long-term conservation habits. As a result, the campaign seeks to build stronger community participation.
Government to Shift Plantation Drive to April
The Minister also announced that the state will conduct its annual plantation drive in April from next year. This change will allow authorities to plan afforestation activities more effectively.
Furthermore, the government will prioritize indigenous fruit-bearing tree species to improve biodiversity and support local ecosystems.
Pilot Aerial Seeding Planned
In another major announcement, the Forest Department will introduce aerial seeding in the riverine Char-Chapori areas on a trial basis.
If the pilot project succeeds, the department will expand the initiative to other suitable regions. Consequently, the new method could help increase forest cover in difficult-to-access areas.
Minister Shares Budget and Land Protection Plans
Apart from the plantation campaign, Jayanta Mallabaruah, who also serves as Assam’s Finance Minister, hinted that the upcoming State Budget would focus on public welfare.
Meanwhile, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing eviction drives to protect indigenous communities. He added that illegal encroachments and demographic changes remain key concerns for the state administration.
Questions & Answers
Q1: What is Assam’s plantation target before Independence Day?
The state aims to plant one crore saplings by August 14.
Q2: Who will participate in the plantation drive?
Around 10 lakh students from Class 9 and above will join the campaign.
Q3: What new conservation method will Assam test?
The Forest Department will pilot aerial seeding in Char-Chapori areas.
Q4: When will the annual plantation drive begin from next year?
The government will organize the plantation drive in April.
Q5: Where did the Minister announce the initiative?
He announced the initiative during the Van Mahotsav programme at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
Location Context
Assam is one of Northeast India’s most ecologically significant states, with rich forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. Therefore, large-scale plantation drives and afforestation projects play a vital role in conserving biodiversity, improving green cover, and supporting climate resilience across the region.
