Assam plants 1.2 crore saplings, CM hails ‘nari shakti’

Guwahati: State govt and Assam Pradesh BJP jointly planted 1.2 crore saplings across the state on World Environment Day, aiming to build a greener future.

As part of the initiative, BJP’s 28,000 booth committees planted five saplings each, while the party’s 65 lakh workers planted one sapling each. In addition, 35 lakh self‑help group (SHG) members planted two saplings each.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who planted a Rudraksha sapling at his residence, said powered by ‘nari shakti’, “the movement will help build a greener and more sustainable state”.

BJP spokesperson Jayanta Kumar Goswami said since assuming office in 2021, the BJP govt led by CM Sarma has taken strong measures to increase the state’s forest cover by reclaiming encroached forest lands.

“The govt has also been making sustained efforts to green both sides of national highways across Assam through extensive plantation drives. At the same time, the party has developed a culture of planting saplings before the commencement of every programme. Plantation has been made a mandatory component of all party activities,” he added.

Meanwhile, newly sworn‑in cabinet minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said Assam has emerged as a conservation leader through afforestation, zero rhino poaching, and technology-driven forest protection over the past five years. He said the state planted over 10 crore saplings during the Amrit Brikshya Andolan, alongside initiatives in AI‑based deforestation monitoring, expanded protected areas, and climate‑focused policies.

“From the mighty Brahmaputra and vast wetlands to dense rainforests and globally significant wildlife habitats, Assam is home to some of the world’s most valuable biodiversity. Between 2023 and 2026, the state accelerated its conservation efforts under CM Sarma’s leadership, delivering measurable results in afforestation, wildlife protection, and climate‑focused governance,” he said.

Mallabaruah added that Amrit Brikshya Andolan was one of the country’s most ambitious environmental movements, mobilising over 35 lakh SHG women and lakhs of citizens to plant more than 1 crore saplings in a single day.

The initiative later expanded with targets of 8 crore saplings, and subsequent plantation campaigns crossed 10 crore saplings, he said.

He further said technology has become a cornerstone of Assam’s environmental strategy. “On World Environment Day 2025, CM Sarma launched an AI‑powered portal for real‑time deforestation monitoring, enabling authorities to detect forest loss quickly and take immediate enforcement action. The initiative is among the first of its kind in the country and reflects Assam’s commitment to technology‑driven conservation,” he added.