Answering the call of Prime Minister’s vision for a cleaner & greener India through initiatives like the ‘Green India Mission’ and tree plantation drives under the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, the Assam Rifles has taken remarkable strides towards nurturing environmental sustainability in Manipur. As part of its green initiative for 2024, the force has successfully planted Three Lac saplings allocated for the year.
The plantation drives are spanned both in far-flung districts and central areas of the State, with Imphal East, Imphal West, and Kangpokpi contributing 62,000 saplings, Ukhrul 1,20,000 saplings, Chandel and Tengnoupal 45,000 saplings, Thoubal 33,000 saplings and Churachandpur 41,000 saplings. These efforts highlight the Assam Rifles’ steadfast commitment to preserving and enhancing the region’s delicate ecological balance.
The selection of saplings, worked out with the locals in the area, ranged from fruit-bearing trees like jackfruit, guava and mango to fast-growing species such as bamboo and neem. The focus was to contribute to the livelihoods of local communities and address environmental concerns such as erosion control and flood mitigation.
This year’s achievement follows the outstanding completion of last year’s ambitious target of 630,000 saplings, showcasing the force’s consistency in pursuing environmental conservation as a core mission. By increasing the tree cover, the initiative addresses critical challenges such as deforestation, soil erosion and the increasing frequency of floods, which remain significant threats to Manipur’s fragile ecosystem.
Through sustained and focused efforts, Assam Rifles has enriched Manipur’s green cover and set an example for others to emulate. As the year draws to a close, the Assam Rifles’ green initiative stands as a testament to its enduring dedication to the people and the environment of Manipur, ensuring a brighter and greener tomorrow for generations to come.
