Mega plantation drive fails to yield desired result
SHILLONG: Two years back, on a single day (July 30, 2014) , over 7 lakh saplings were planted in several blocks of East Khasi Hills. However, the success rate is not that promising due to the lack of follow up actions from all concerned.
This has come to light when The Shillong Times spoke to a few Block Development Officers (BDOs) of the East Khasi Hills.
Over 7, 11, 060 saplings were planted in a single day in East Khasi Hills district alone covering all the eight C&RD Blocks under the Chief Minister’s Youth for Green Campaign Mission Green under the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme (IBDLP).
As per the findings, some saplings did not survive as the weather condition of that period (July -August) did not suit them.
“Most saplings planted under Shella block did not survive,” said A. Mukhim, BDO of Shella, adding that over 25,000 trees were planted at Lumshnong, Mawsmai and the residents of the village looked after the trees.
“Some of the trees planted were guava, bottle brush, sal etc. Most of the areas have gone barren may be due to the soil quality,” he said.
Similarly, L. Kynjing, BDO of Mawryngkneng, said the saplings planted during the mega tree plantation drive have stunted growth due to the soil quality, with only a 50-50 per cent survival rate.
“Initiatives are being taken by the local people to plant trees on their own. Schools have already started their own eco-clubs,” he added.
Pointing to the one-time initiative of the Government, when over 25,000 trees were planted at Umnir, Kynjing said that the trees were being looked after by the local people.
Kynjing informed that the people at Mawryngkneng were now serious about preserving and conserving the environment.
Speaking to this reporter, E. Warjri, BDO of Laitkroh, lamented that the mega tree plantation drive did not yield desired results in that Block where over 40,000 saplings were planted.
She said, “Some trees may be suitable for the July-August season, while some may not.” “25,000 saplings were planted at Lyngkhi and 15,000 were planted at Nongthymmai-Lumthangding while eco-clubs were initiated at 1-2 villages. People are aware in keeping the environment clean and they are taking care of the trees in the village,” she added.
The BDO of Mylliem and Mawphlang P. Passah,said, “Over 50,000 trees were planted in Khlaw Nongkhlaw, Mylliem, supervised by four villages and the survival rates of the trees may be 65-70 per cent”.
The official pointed out that the people have taken upon themselves the responsibility to keep the village clean and green and in two schools in Mylliem eco-clubs were set up.
It is reported that in Mawphlang Block about 22,000 saplings were planted. The saplings include varieties of indigenous species like Champa, Eucalyptus, Neem, Pine, Silver Oak, Pooma, Hoolock, Alder and many others which are suitable to the climatic conditions of the region.
The status of saplings planted in Pynursla, Mawsynram, and Mawkynrew Blocks is not available as the BDOs did not respond to the calls made.