Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that drones will be used to survey and verify tree plantation drives and programs in the state of Assam under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority and other biodiversity projects.
The Chief Minister further mentioned that strict action will be taken against officials of forest department if found to be negligent on duty and putting forest areas at risk. He also attended the mega plantation program organized by Environment & Forest Department of Assam in the AIIMS construction site at Changsari in Kamrup on Wednesday as part of the 72nd Van Mahotsav observance in the state.
The state Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, Health Minister Keshab Mahanta, BJP state president Bhabesh Kalita and Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary were few of the key dignitaries present during the plantation program.
Stressing on the importance of afforestation, the Chief Minister said that the pandemic has taught us the importance of oxygen for survival. “We all must strive towards preserving our forests & biodiversity”, he mentioned.
During recent times the forest cover has reduced drastically, both in the city areas and rural regions. And these new steps to verify plantation drives and making forest officials accountable for their actions will definitely help in afforestation.
