Indian army joins hands with forest department to plant 10,000 plants across Upper Assam ahead of World Environment Day 2026
New Delhi, June 3
In a major environmental conservation initiative ahead of World Environment Day 2026, the Red Shield Division under the Spear Corps, in collaboration with the Forest Department and local communities, conducted a series of tree plantation and cleanliness drives across Upper Assam from June 1 to June 3, according to a press release.
The campaign reflected a shared commitment towards ecological sustainability, environmental awareness and community welfare.
As part of the initiative, a total of 10,000 plants were planted across key locations in Tinsukia District and Charaideo District, including Tinkopani and Jagun, the Amguri area of Phillobari Reserve Forest at Rupai and Patsaku. The activities witnessed active participation from Indian Army troops, Territorial Army personnel, Forest Department officials, Ex-Servicemen, NCC Cadets, school students, local organisations, youth groups, civil volunteers and residents.
The release further said that the plantation drives were aimed at enhancing the region's green cover and supporting long-term environmental sustainability. With increasing emphasis on ecological conservation and climate resilience, the initiative sought to promote environmental awareness and encourage collective action towards preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. The activities contributed significantly towards afforestation efforts and the long-term ecological well-being of the region.
The release stated that the collaborative effort highlighted the importance of community participation in environmental conservation and reflected a shared commitment towards sustainable development. The campaign also served as a platform to strengthen cooperation between the Army, civil administration, the Forest Department and local communities, while reinforcing the collective responsibility of safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The release added that the initiative reaffirmed the ethos of Nation First and highlighted the Indian Army's continued commitment towards nation-building, community welfare and environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, the Assam government also planned a massive plantation drive involving over 35 lakh women Self-Help Group (SHG) members of Assam, aiming at the plantation of 1 crore saplings on June 5 on the occasion of World Environment Day.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is wonderful! 🌱 As someone from Assam, I know how important our forests are. The involvement of school students and NCC cadets is great - teaches the next generation about environmental responsibility. And 35 lakh women SHG members planting 1 crore saplings? Now that's what I call women power! 💪
Nice to see military resources being used for environmental causes instead of just combat operations. The Red Shield Division's initiative sets a good example for other units across India. Hope they plant native species that support local biodiversity, not just ornamental trees.
Love seeing Army personnel planting trees! 🌳 It's heartening that ex-servicemen and local volunteers also participated. This is real community engagement. However, I hope the Assam government's massive plantation drive with SHG members includes proper training on sapling care - 1 crore saplings is a huge number that needs sustained effort.
Good initiative but let's be realistic - planting is easy, survival is the challenge. Many such drives fail because nobody waters the plants after the event. Need regular monitoring and a dedicated team for at least 3 years. Hope the forest department has a proper plan for this.
This is exactly the kind of partnership that should be replicated across India! Army + Forest Dept + Local Communities = real change. The mention of Nation First ethos is spot on. Also, great to see women SHGs taking lead in the Assam government's plantation drive - environmental conservation needs everyone's participation. 👏
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