Agartala, June 11: In a significant environmental push, the Tripura government has announced an ambitious plan to plant 5 lakh trees in just 5 minutes across the state on July 5, 2024, as part of the Van Mahotsav 2024 celebrations. This was revealed by Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma during a press conference held at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
The tree plantation drive will engage schools, colleges, NGOs, and various institutions. The Forest Department will distribute saplings for free to support this mass plantation effort.
The minister also announced the establishment of the largest flower garden in Northeast India, to be set up in Tulasikhar Forest Range’s Purva Tachaya ADC Village in Khowai district. This pilot project aims to attract tourists, and similar gardens are planned for other districts if successful.
Addressing the environmental impact of tree cutting for road expansions, Debbarma highlighted plans to plant fruit and flowering trees along highways and roadsides. He also unveiled several development projects, including the construction of a modern multi-utility hall at Baramura Eco Park and weekly cultural events at the Agartala Heritage Park.
To tackle the issue of wild elephant incursions, the government will establish five anti-depredation camps and construct trenches to guide elephant movements. A watchtower will be set up in the Teliamura Forest Range for 24-hour monitoring, and underpasses will be built in the Ambassa-Mungiakami and Mungiakami-Chakmaghat ranges for safe elephant passage.
Financial assistance will be sought from the central government to address property damage caused by elephants in Khowai and Gomati districts. Present at the conference were Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Avinash Kanfade and Tripura CAMPA CEO R. K. Samal.
