A major controversy is unfolding in Assam regarding the Dibrugarh Forest Division’s claims under the state-run Amrit Brikshya Andolan, a significant tree plantation initiative. In a response to an inquiry made under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, forest officials asserted that they planted an astonishing 331,929 saplings across just 28 hectares. This figure raises eyebrows, as it far exceeds the logical capacity of the area.
RTI activist Dilip Nath from Dhekiajuli highlighted this discrepancy upon receiving the official response. He described the numbers as “beyond imagination,” labeling them both absurd and potentially fraudulent.
According to forest department guidelines, a maximum of 2,500 saplings can be planted per hectare, allowing for 2-meter spacing between each. Based on this, 28 hectares could only realistically support around 70,000 saplings, significantly below the claimed figure. To accommodate 331,929 saplings, officials would require at least 133 hectares. If the saplings were planted outside forest areas-where a 5-meter spacing is mandated-it would necessitate an even larger area of 829 hectares.
Nath questioned, “Where exactly did the Dibrugarh DFO plant these saplings? If they were truly planted, that’s impressive. But was it ever done? Or is this an attempt to siphon public funds under the guise of a tree plantation?”
The funding for this initiative traces back to an official order issued on July 21, 2023, wherein the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests approved ₹1.65 crore for various forest divisions to promote plantations under the scheme. Disbursements occurred in stages: ₹27.75 lakh on September 8, 2023, ₹50 lakh on December 11, 2023, ₹15 lakh on December 12, ₹25 lakh on August 28, 2023, ₹10.75 lakh on September 22, 2023, ₹60 lakh on June 16, 2024, and ₹22.80 lakh on July 31, 2024.
The Dibrugarh Forest Division was allocated a total of ₹1,58,40,305 from this program. Officials reported plantations in the villages of Abhaypur and Joypore, and mentioned establishing two nurseries. One nursery, located in Moran, covers 5 hectares and supposedly produced 800,000 saplings for future undertakings. However, in 2024, the division claimed to have distributed over 1 million saplings to schools, tea estates, and private organizations-figures that seem inconsistent with the land available and established planting standards.
In light of these discrepancies, Nath has called for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to initiate an investigation into the claims, questioning whether the ambitious targets of the Amrit Brikshya Andolan are being manipulated for financial gain. “This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about public trust and the responsible use of state funds,” Nath emphasized.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/3-3-lakh-trees-or-3-3-lakh-lies-assam-forest-dept-faces-sapling-scam-firestorm.html
Category: Assam,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2025-05-25 18:56:00
