‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan’ App

August 3, 2023

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently launched the Department of Forest & Environment’s Amrit Brikshya Andolan web portal and mobile application, along with the Wood-based Industry (WBI) registration web portal. The initiative aims to make a significant impact on the State’s green economy by planting a total of 1 crore (10 million) commercially-viable saplings across the State.

Targeting 1 Crore Saplings

The Amrit Brikshya Andolan sets an ambitious target of planting 1 crore saplings by individuals from various walks of life on September 17, 2023. This initiative is in response to the rampant destruction of forests worldwide, which is one of the major contributing factors to global warming.

Incentives for Participants

To encourage participation, the government has introduced incentives for individuals who register and plant saplings. Those who register through the Amrit Brikshya Andolan app or portal and upload geo-tagged photographs of their sapling planting will receive ₹100 in their bank account. Moreover, if the saplings survive for three years, the concerned individual will be paid an additional ₹200.

Future Targets

Looking ahead, the Government of Assam plans to expand its sapling planting efforts. In the next year, the target is to plant 3 crore commercially-viable saplings, and in 2025, the aim is to reach 5 crore saplings. These progressive targets show the government’s commitment to enhancing the State’s green cover and preserving its biodiversity.

Assam Wood-based Industries (Promotion & Development) Rules 2022

In addition to the Amrit Brikshya Andolan, the Chief Minister also introduced the Assam Wood-based Industries (Promotion & Development) Rules 2022. This replaces the earlier Assam Wood-based Industries (Establishment & Regulation) Rules of 2000. The new rules are designed to facilitate the growth of indigenous wood-based industries by removing the hindrance imposed by the previous regulations.

Benefitting Agarwood Growers

The new rules have been particularly beneficial for agarwood growers in Assam. They now allow for the processing of agar oil in home-based units, providing a significant advantage for growers in upper Assam. This move is expected to enhance the income of farmers involved in agarwood cultivation.

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