Ukhrul, June 5: In a landmark environmental initiative coinciding with the observance of World Environment Day 2026, the Ukhrul Forest Division launched the third edition of the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (EPMKN) 3.0”, aiming to plant an ambitious 2,47,170 saplings across Ukhrul district.
The district-wide green campaign, led by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ukhrul Laishram Gitla, brought together government agencies, educational institutions, village communities, security forces, civil society organizations, NGOs, and environmental stakeholders in a united effort to strengthen ecological restoration and expand green cover in the district.
The official launch programme was held at Eden Home Orphanage, where the DFO delivered an inspiring message on resilience, growth, and environmental stewardship. Drawing parallels between the journey of a seed and the struggles of human life, she emphasized that adversity often serves as the foundation for strength and transformation.
“A seed survives harsh weather, breaks through the earth, and eventually grows into a tree that provides shelter and nourishment. Human beings, too, possess the ability to overcome challenges and become agents of positive change,” she remarked while encouraging children and residents of the orphanage to pursue their dreams and contribute to society and nature.
As part of the campaign, the Forest Division organized a large-scale sapling distribution programme at the Mini Secretariat Complex, Ukhrul, where native tree species were distributed among citizens and institutions to encourage community participation in afforestation efforts.
The programme was attended by several district officials, including Polly Makan, Duna Duo, Dingringngam Kamei, Hungyo Yurretkan, and Sunita Jajo, among other departmental representatives.
In another major component of the campaign, the Forest Division collaborated with local NGO VVD to conduct a plantation and water conservation awareness programme at Somsat Garrison. The programme highlighted the importance of spring-source rejuvenation, groundwater recharge, watershed management, and sustainable resource conservation.
Senior officers of the Assam Rifles, including Amit Kumar Sharma, Shiv Bahadur Singh, and Manish Kadiyan, attended the event, underscoring the growing role of security forces in environmental protection initiatives.
A significant contribution to the campaign came from 23 COSFOM villages supported by KfW, which collectively undertook the plantation of 2,27,170 saplings within their community forest areas. The plantations were focused on biodiversity conservation, springshed restoration, watershed development, and long-term forest protection.
To complement plantation activities, the Forest Division, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority>, also conducted awareness programmes on environmental laws, wildlife protection, sustainable resource management, and legal consequences related to environmental offences.
Officials noted that the success of EPMKN 3.0 was made possible through the active participation of village authorities, youth groups, churches, educational institutions, Self-Help Groups, Biodiversity Management Committees, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, Assam Rifles personnel, NGOs, orphanages, and water conservation committees working under the COSFOM-KfW project.
With thousands of saplings planted across forests, villages, schools, and public spaces, the campaign reinforced the message that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility. The initiative also reaffirmed Ukhrul district’s commitment to restoring ecosystems, protecting natural resources, and building a greener and more sustainable future for coming generations.
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