Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday called upon people across the state to actively participate in the week-long Van Mahotsav celebrations by planting at least one sapling, stressing that collective public participation is essential to ensure a greener and more sustainable future.
Marking the beginning of Van Mahotsav, the Chief Minister appealed to citizens to devote the power of "Jan Bhagidari" towards increasing the state's green cover and safeguarding the environment for future generations. In a post on social media platform X, CM Sarma wrote, "Today marks the beginning of #VanMahotsav, a week-long celebration of nature."
He urged every citizen to plant a sapling during the week and transform the campaign into a people's movement. "Let us devote the power of Jan Bhagidari to increase our green cover and guarantee a secure future for our children by planting a sapling over the next one week," the Chief Minister said.
Sharing his personal commitment to environmental conservation, CM Sarma said that he makes it a point to plant a sapling whenever he travels outside Guwahati on official visits. "On all my travels outside Guwahati, I always make it a point to plant one," he added.
The Chief Minister reiterated the state government's emphasis on environmental protection and afforestation. Van Mahotsav, observed every year during the first week of July, is a nationwide tree-planting campaign aimed at raising awareness about forests, biodiversity and ecological conservation.
Governments, educational institutions, voluntary organisations and citizens take part in plantation drives across the country. The Assam government has in recent years intensified efforts to expand forest cover through large-scale plantation initiatives and conservation programmes.
The state has also undertaken several measures to protect its rich biodiversity and wildlife habitats while encouraging public participation in environmental campaigns. The Chief Minister's appeal comes at the onset of the monsoon season, considered the most suitable period for plantation activities due to favourable weather conditions and improved survival rates of saplings.