Tura: With a view to make the recently launched “One citizen One Tree Campaign and Nature Education Camp” a success in the district, an awareness programme was organized by South West Garo Hills Basin Development Unit for schools, self-help groups, nokmas, VECs and the stakeholders at Ampati DRDA Conference Hall, here on Wednesday.
During the programme Green Award was presented to Digligre village of South West Garo Hills by the Deputy Commissioner & Chairperson, BDU, Ampati, H.D.B.Sangma for their outstanding effort in plantation and nurturing of trees in the past five years. The villagers of Digligre with the initiative of Digligre Farmers’ Club have planted 12650 saplings since 2014 till date with a survival rate of 85 percent.
Speaking on the occasion, H.D.B.Sangma congratulated the people of Digligre village on their achievement which she said would show the way for other villages to have such joint efforts and ownership in planting and nurturing trees in their respective villages. She said that the One Citizen One Tree initiative of the State Government should not be taken only as a campaign mode but every citizen must join hands to make it a success and it the best practice in their villages. While thousands and lakhs of trees are being planted across the state every year less stress has been given on follow up and ensuring their survival, she said. She recalled that 20 saplings of fruit bearing trees were distributed to the schools in the district last year and asked the schools to give their survival report. This year too fruit bearing trees will be distributed to all educational institutions and urged upon all heads of institutions to ensure that each class would take ownership of one tree. She also called upon all the stakeholders to join hands and work concertedly to make this campaign including the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – a huge success in the district.
Echoing similar views Additional Deputy Commissioner & Vice Chairman, BDU, Ampati, D.D. Shira highlighted the value of trees for the survival of our planet and said that in order for the campaign to be a success it would require full cooperation and coordination of all departments and stakeholders.
Saplings of various tree species were also distributed to all the participants on the occasion. EAC & Nodal Officer, BDU, Ampati, W.R.G. Momin and Secretary, Digligre Farmers’ Club, Appendro Ch. Marak also spoke about their green journey, while BPM, IBDLP, Brilliar Ch.Sangma highlighted in detail about the objectives and plan of action for “One Citizen One Tree Campaign & Nature Education Camps” through a power-point presentation.