Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah launched a major environmental initiative under the state's new "Green Vision" programme during the 77th Van Mahotsav celebrations. He announced several large-scale projects aimed at increasing forest cover, restoring degraded land, and encouraging greater public participation in conservation efforts across Assam.

The minister launched the programme at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. He joined local residents, forest officials, and volunteers in planting 77 saplings to mark the occasion. While addressing the gathering, he stressed the importance of public involvement in environmental protection. He said, "Environmental protection cannot be achieved by the government alone. It must become a people's movement, with every citizen contributing towards building a greener Assam."

One of the key announcements was the upcoming Amrit Brikshya Andolan. Under this campaign, Assam plans to plant one crore saplings between August 10 and August 14 as part of the Independence Day celebrations. The government expects nearly 10 lakh students from schools, colleges, engineering institutes, and medical colleges to participate in the drive. Each student will plant ten saplings, making it one of the largest student-led plantation campaigns in the state.

The government has also prepared a system to ensure the saplings survive after planting. Job card holders will help students take care of the saplings. The government will provide financial incentives based on the survival rate of the plantations. Students who continue to maintain their trees through geo-tagged monitoring will receive the 'Briksha Bandhu' certificate in recognition of their efforts.

Speaking about the objective of the campaign, Baruah said, "The objective is not just to plant trees but to ensure they survive and grow into forests for future generations."

The minister also announced another major programme called 'Phalbari'. The government will launch this initiative next year and distribute one crore indigenous fruit saplings across Assam. The programme aims to promote traditional fruit-bearing species and support native biodiversity. The selected species include mango, jackfruit, leteku, paniyal, kordoi, and kaji nemu. The initiative will also contribute to food and nutritional security in different parts of the state. The Forest Department will begin nursery preparation for the project later this year.

To encourage people to participate in tree plantation activities, the government will establish a 'Janmadin Seuj Shopath' or Birthday Garden in every Forest Range of Assam. Through this initiative, people can celebrate birthdays by planting trees. The programme will officially begin on July 7, the final day of Van Mahotsav. The department will support the initiative through an online portal that will allow people to book saplings in advance.

Baruah also announced the Char-Chapori Greening Initiative, which aims to restore barren riverine areas along the Brahmaputra River. The Forest Department will begin the project on a pilot basis in selected char areas. Officials will use drones to disperse seed balls across these locations. The department plans to expand the programme to other parts of the state after assessing the results of the pilot phase.

The minister also addressed the issue of forest protection and illegal activities affecting the environment. He said the government's action against illegal sawmills continues across Assam. According to him, forest officials conduct operations against such units on a daily basis. The government has instructed all Range Officers and Divisional Forest Officers to ensure the complete removal of illegal sawmills from their areas.

Highlighting the administration's strict approach, Baruah said, "Action against illegal sawmills is being carried out every day, and strict instructions have been issued to all Range Officers and Divisional Forest Officers to eliminate such operations completely. Officials will be held accountable if illegal sawmills continue to function within their jurisdictions."

The minister reaffirmed the state's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. He said Assam is moving towards a greener future through ecological restoration and active involvement of citizens. He emphasised that conservation efforts require participation from all sections of society.

Summing up the broader objective of the Green Vision programme, Baruah said, "The vision is to create a healthier environment while ensuring that every section of society becomes a partner in protecting Assam's forests and natural heritage."

Through these initiatives, the Assam government aims to strengthen forest conservation, improve biodiversity, promote community participation, and create long-term environmental benefits across the state.