Approximately ten million saplings were planted in various locations across the state during the past week as the Amrit Brikshya Andolan concluded today. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the government’s goal with this campaign is to raise awareness about the environment and promote a love for trees.
He also expressed hope that 80 percent of the saplings would survive, particularly as most of them have been planted in households and have commercial value that will yield returns in seven to ten years. Sarma revealed plans to plant three crore saplings in three different locations next year, in addition to planting five crore trees in reserve forests. During the Amrit Brikshya Andolan, the state made nine record attempts.
The first involved creating a new record for the largest line/spiral of saplings, where approximately 3.22 lakh seedlings were arranged spirally, covering about 22.22 km in length at the Veterinary College ground. The following day, 3.22 lakh saplings were distributed at the same venue. Another record attempt was made for the most trees planted by a team in 24 hours, with 8.81 lakh trees planted in Udalguri.
In Naharkatia, an attempt was made for the most trees planted in an hour, resulting in over 3.31 lakh trees planted. Additionally, a tree mosaic resembling the state’s map was created on 0.85 hectares of land in Digboi.
The government is also conducting two online initiatives, one for the most number of pledges taken to plant trees and protect them, and another for the largest nature conservation lesson online. The government is allocating Rs 47 crore for the entire program.