How Many Saplings Have Been Planted in Meghalaya in the Last Five Years?

Shillong, June 6 (NationPress) Meghalaya's Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, announced on Friday that over the past five years, the state has successfully planted 2 crore saplings and expanded its forest cover by nearly 22,000 hectares. The Chief Minister presented a bold vision for the next five years, aiming to further increase green cover by an additional 40,000 hectares. During a tree plantation event, he planted a Conocarpus erectus (Buttonwood) sapling at the site of the new Assembly building in Mawdiangdiang, New Shillong.

During his address, the Chief Minister emphasized the profound symbolism of planting a tree, signifying not just an environmental contribution but also a commitment to future generations. He remarked, “It’s not simply about planting a tree; it’s about the moment, timing, and location. This renders it even more special.”

Sangma also highlighted the state’s flagship Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) program, which compensates communities with ₹15,000 per hectare annually to protect forested areas. “Thanks to PES, ₹42 crore has been distributed so far, securing 52,000 hectares of forests,” he noted. He unveiled the Green Meghalaya Plus initiative, which will provide up to ₹20,000 per hectare to preserve 1 lakh hectares of forest land in collaboration with local communities.

Focusing on urban cleanliness, the Chief Minister detailed the state’s preparations for hosting the National Games 2027. Under the Clean Shillong Mission, he announced that the government has bolstered municipal resources for more frequent garbage collection and initiated pipelining efforts in Marten to address legacy waste issues.

“Almost 50% of Marten’s legacy waste has been removed. Our ambition is to transform this area into a beautiful garden park,” he added. The Chief Minister called for collective action in the cleaning efforts, stating, “This isn't solely a government initiative. We need all stakeholders—leaders, officials, and citizens—to join this movement.”

He also outlined a comprehensive plan that incorporates purification systems, community involvement, and regulatory measures as part of the larger urban sanitation strategy. Describing the tree-planting campaign as a lasting legacy, he urged ministers and officials to care for the trees they plant. “Let’s not merely plant and forget. We must nurture and witness their growth as a shared commitment,” he urged.

In a significant announcement, the Chief Minister revealed a beautification project along a new 10-kilometre stretch in the Mawdiangdiang township, where 1,000 cherry blossom trees will be planted over a 2-kilometre area. “Inspired by the beautiful avenues of Japan, this vision will soon come to life in Meghalaya,” he stated, encouraging those who missed the plantation event to come and help nurture these trees.