By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In its bid to save greenery, the Assam Rifles ‘Go Green’ campaign was kick started on Friday by Director General Assam Rifles Lt Gen Ranbir Singh at Laitkor Garrison.
The Assam Rifles has involved itself in securing the future generations through conservation of forests and environment.
In the previous year, the Assam Rifles planted 1,53,000 saplings in its reforestation drive to improve the green umbrella over the North Eastern states and this year, the Assam Rifles plans to continue with the drive to plant over 1,50,000 trees.
The event also incorporated the school children, thereby, educating them on the effects of deforestation like global warming, soil erosion, sequestering carbon dioxide emissions.
The school children of Assam Rifles Public School and Assam Rifles Nodal School,Laitkor, planted a number of saplings.
More than 5000 saplings were planted, comprising of varied species of coniferous, ornamental and fruit bearing trees.
In consonance with the ‘Go Green’ theme, similar reforestation drives are being launched by the Formations and Units of Assam Rifles throughout the North East Region.
Check on timber smuggling
The Assam Rifles has deployed force along the Indo-Myanmar border to check on the timber smuggling.
Talking to media persons here on the sideline of a function, Director General of Assam Rifles Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said that the forces have been deployed on the border, mainly on the road which lead into the country from Myanmar.
While stating that the timber smuggling is done through trucks, he said that the forces often target these trucks after which it is handed over to the respected forest department of various states and to the police department for further disposal
Reacting to a query about the forming of an ecological battalion, he said that the Assam Rifles took up the matter with Ministry of Home Affairs and it is under the active consideration of the Government.