Shillong, July 25:
Brief
– An area of 100 hectares identified in Meghalaya for planting various saplings.
– Target to plant 1 million saplings in 1000 hectares of Meghalaya within three years, with Assam Rifles to take the lead
– Stresses on community participation for growing saplings into trees
Full Report
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a target of planting 1 million saplings in Meghalaya within 3 years. Stressing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fighting global warming and climate change, he said various initiatives have been launched to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Speaking at the launch of Green Sohra plantation drive by Assam Rifles at Sohra (also known as Cherrapunji) on Sunday he said a target to plant 1 million saplings in 1000 hectares of Meghalaya within three years has been set, and the Assam Rifles will take the lead.
Speaking at the launch of Green Sohra Plantation Drive of @official_dgar in Meghalaya. https://t.co/OtAgJizbht
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 25, 2021
He added that an area of 100 hectares in Meghalaya has been identified and Rs 50 crore will be spent for planting various saplings.
“If we can successfully do the plantation programme and nurture the saplings to grow into trees, then again Cherrapunji will transform into highest rainfall centre in India by regaining the lost glory,” Shah said.
He further stressed on necessity of community participation to ensure the growth of saplings into big trees.
Launching the plantation drive, the Union Home Minister planted Exbuckdia populnea (know as Pipli in Hindi and Diengdoh in Khasi). Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma planted Betula alnoides (known as Bhojpatra in Hindi and Dienglieng in Khasi). Other species planted include Engelhertia spicata (known as Mauha in Hindi and Dieng lyba in Khasi) and Euginea jambolana (know as Jamun in Hindi and Diengsoh um in Khasi).
Sohra Afforestation Project components
 Block plantations proposed to be carried in 3,000 Ha.
 Silvi/ Aromatic/ Pastoral Development in 3,000 Ha.
 Fuelwood plantations proposed to be carried in 2,000 Ha.
 1,000 Ha. of Broom grass plantations
 Dense plantation using Miyawaki method to be carried out in over 200 Ha.
 Planting 50,000 ornamental trees for enhancing tourism potential
 Establishment of 14 nurseries
 Forest fire control measures
 Capacity building of the local communities in Natural Resource Management
 The plantations would be completed within 3 years and maintenance support would be provided up to 5 years.
