CM advocates collective action for generating sustainable economic opportunities

Assam Governor and Chief Minister attend Amrit Plantation Drive in Chandubi

CM advocates collective action for generating sustainable economic opportunities

CM calls for Jan Bhagidari to increase forest cover

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today advocated for a collective action to create a pro-planet impact for generating sustainable economic opportunities.

Speaking at the Amrit Plantation Programme launched at Chandubi in Kamrup district today, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that a collective action on the part of everybody in the society is the need of the hour for the preservation of forests not only for individual and social needs but also for economic needs. He said that contribution from all the stakeholders will create conducive climate for generating sustainable economic opportunities.

He said that around 20 per cent of the forest land in Assam is under encroachment and an adverse affect of it is being faced by all. He said that people are destroying hills to construct their dwelling houses. At the same time with the increase of the use of fossil  fuel, global warming has taken an alarming proposition. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who announced LiFE, to bring individual behaviours at the forefront of the global climate action narrative, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma appealed to the people at large to contribute to cut carbon emissions to save the balance of Mother Earth. Stating Prime Minister’s call to cut carbon emission to zero by 2070, Dr. Sarma said that Assam government in response to this call is taking steps for generation of 5000 MW solar power in the state.

Spelling out the steps taken for the preservation of forest lands in the state, the Chief Minister said that in the last two years by launching eviction drives in Lumding Reserve forests, Pabo Reserve forest, Burhachapori Wildlife sanctuary, Orang National Park, 61375 bigha lands have been freed from encroachments.

The Chief Minister said that State government is working to increase the total forest cover  from the existing 36 per cent to 38 per cent. It is not in Summer alone, on all 365 days, concerted efforts will be taken to plant more saplings, save trees and protect the forest from being encroached upon. He also called for Jan Bhagidari for massive plantation.

The Chief Minister during his speech also announced that on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 this year, State government would plant one crore saplings. Everybody to participate on the occasion would get Rs. 100 as a token of gratitude to look after the saplings planted on the occasion. After three years if the plant survives, the person will get another Rs. 200. He said that to create a forest centric parallel economy, State government has taken steps to encourage plantation of commercial timber like sal, teak etc.

Governor, Assam Gulab Chand Kataria who also graced the occasion also released two books titled ‘Towards Natural Farming’ and ‘Rare and Threatened Plant Species of Assam’ along with the Chief Minister. First lady of Assam wife of the Governor Anita Kataria, Cabinet Ministers, MPs, MLAs and a host of dignitaries were present on the occasion.