Over 200 Square Kilometers of Tree Planting Achieved in Assam Over Five Years: CM Sarma
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Synopsis
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that over 200 square kilometers of tree plantations have been conducted in the past five years, emphasizing the state's commitment to environmental conservation while addressing encroachment issues.
Key Takeaways
- 200 sq. km of tree plantations achieved in Assam.
- Focus on environmental conservation and land reclamation.
- 100 sq. km of forest area freed from encroachment.
- Clashes during anti-encroachment drives have raised concerns.
- Continued efforts to clear illegal structures in tribal zones.
Guwahati, March 20 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday that the state government has initiated a large-scale plantation program over the past five years, successfully planting trees across an area exceeding 200 square kilometers, which is larger than the city of Guwahati.
CM Sarma stated, "Assam is writing a remarkable narrative in environmental conservation. Over the last five years, we have planted trees in an area greater than 200 sq. km -- comparable to the size of Guwahati city."
The Chief Minister has prioritized the clearance of encroached land for the past four years.
According to CM Sarma, an area of 100 square kilometers has been reclaimed from encroachment -- equivalent to the size of Chandigarh.
Since taking office, the state administration has launched numerous anti-encroachment operations under Himanta Biswa Sarma's leadership.
Opposition parties have accused CM Sarma of politicizing the encroachment issue, claiming that minorities have been unfairly targeted during these anti-encroachment efforts.
In a notable incident last September in the Sonapur region of Kamrup district, an anti-encroachment drive turned violent.
A clash erupted between local police and residents when authorities attempted to remove what they deemed illegal settlements on a 100-bigha plot that housed nearly 150 individuals, resulting in the tragic deaths of two residents and injuries to several others.
The deceased have been identified as Juwahid Ali and Haider Ali, who succumbed to injuries sustained during an alleged police shooting.
Alongside the fatalities, the unrest resulted in numerous injuries, including that of Shahjahan Ali, who was shot in the leg.
During the incident, at least 22 police personnel, including a female constable and Revenue Circle Officer Nitul Khatoniar, sustained injuries and were promptly transported to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for emergency care.
Reports indicate that the encroachers hurled stones at police and officials on the fourth day of the anti-encroachment operation, causing damage to several police vehicles.
Witnesses claimed that they were also attacked with sticks and other hazardous items.
According to them, the police and paramilitary forces discharged shots to regain control of the situation.
Sources have indicated that there was minimal security presence during the initial three days of the anti-encroachment campaign.
The Assam Police reported that 248 bigha (approximately 155 acres) of government land and 237 illegal structures built in the tribal zone by unauthorized individuals have been dismantled.
In another incident in September 2021, two individuals lost their lives, and 15 police officers were injured during a confrontation between alleged encroachers and law enforcement in Assam's Gorukhuti village.
