Nalbari Tops Assam in Tree Plantation with 1.7 Million Saplings Planted Since 2023

Nalbari district has emerged as a leading force in Assam’s green initiative, having planted over 1.7 million saplings since 2023 under various environmental drives initiated by both state and central governments. The data, provided by the Nalbari Social Forestry Division, reveals a remarkable surge in plantation activities, particularly in 2024, when 16,96,220 saplings were planted—nearly five times more than the 3,47,991 planted in 2023. These mass plantation efforts were primarily conducted through campaigns like the "Amrit Brikshya Andolan" and "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", both of which saw widespread participation from community members, especially students, women's self-help groups, and local NGOs.

Educational institutions have been among the most significant contributors to this green movement. Schools and colleges in the district collectively planted over 50,000 saplings as part of the Amrit Brikshya Andolan, with primary and middle schools alone accounting for more than 34,000 of those. This not only reflects a strong grassroots effort but also highlights how environmental awareness is being cultivated among young people through active participation. These efforts are aimed at instilling environmental responsibility in the younger generation.

Another significant contributor is the central government’s "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, launched on World Environment Day 2023. This initiative encourages individuals to plant trees in honor of their mothers. Nalbari has responded positively, with 80,053 saplings planted under this program so far. The emotional appeal behind the initiative has played a vital role in community engagement, turning tree planting into an act of tribute and remembrance.

According to officials, the saplings planted in 2023 have a survival rate exceeding 94%, which is well above the national average. This success has been attributed to consistent care, including regular watering and proper fencing, managed by the Social Forestry Division. A special plantation drive in Madhapur, overseen by Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka, achieved a 100% survival rate, showcasing the potential of well-coordinated environmental action.

Deputy Commissioner Deka acknowledged that the widespread success of these programs was due to strong coordination between various stakeholders — government departments, grassroots organizations, NGOs, and the local population. The active role played by women, particularly through self-help groups, was especially lauded. Their involvement helped convert what could have been a top-down government scheme into a community-owned mission. As a result, Nalbari ranked first in Assam during the 2024 Amrit Brikshya Andolan.

Local conservation-oriented NGOs such as Green Globe have also contributed significantly. Its secretary, Biswajit Sarma, emphasized that the initiative reflects Nalbari’s long-term commitment to sustainability.

Besides the ecological benefits, officials stress that the initiative also fosters social and emotional bonding. Planting a tree in a mother’s name becomes a lasting legacy, said Dr. Kailash Deka, Joint Director of Health.

Jayanta Thakuria, Inspector of Schools, noted the transformative role of educational institutions. He emphasized that through these hands-on activities, children are not only learning scientific principles but are also understanding their responsibilities toward environmental protection, thus turning this movement into a long-lasting societal change.