Ukhrul, June 5 | EKHON: The Ukhrul Forest Division marked World Environment Day 2026 by launching the third edition of the Prime Minister’s flagship environmental campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (EPMKN) 3.0,” with an ambitious target of planting 2,47,170 saplings across the district.
The campaign was formally launched by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ukhrul, Laishram Gitla, IFS, at Eden Home Orphanage in Lanaitang, setting the stage for one of the largest community-led plantation initiatives undertaken in the district.
Addressing the gathering, Gitla drew a powerful analogy between the journey of a seed and the resilience of the human spirit. She emphasized that growth often emerges through adversity, just as a seed must endure harsh conditions before flourishing into a tree.
“Nature and humanity share the same story of resilience,” she said. “A seed faces scorching heat, torrential rain and fierce storms, yet it breaks through the earth, grows tall and eventually provides shade and fruit to others. Every individual possesses that same strength and potential.”
Encouraging the children and residents of Eden Home, the DFO said that regardless of the challenges they have faced, they have the ability to grow into future leaders and custodians of the environment. A cake was cut to mark the occasion and served to the 48 inmates and staff of the orphanage. Adding colour to the celebration, the children presented songs and choreographed performances, showcasing their talents and enthusiasm. The programme concluded with each child planting a sapling on the campus, symbolizing their commitment to environmental conservation. The children were visibly excited and participated in the activities with great enthusiasm and joy.
Appreciating the initiative, Nimmichon Raman, a nurse at Eden Home, said the programme had been a meaningful learning experience for the children. “They have learned so much about the environment, ecosystems, and the importance of conserving and preserving our natural resources. This is an experience they will remember for a long time,” she said.
As part of the campaign, a seedling distribution programme was also conducted at the Mini Secretariat Complex, where a wide variety of native tree saplings were distributed to the public. The event witnessed the participation of ADC/ADM Polly Makan, SDO Jessami Duna Duo, SDO Ukhrul Dingringngam Kamei, SDC Ukhrul Hungyo Yurreikan, ZEO Ukhrul Sunita Jajo, along with several district-level officers and departmental officials.
In a major collaborative effort, the Ukhrul Forest Division organized a plantation and water conservation awareness programme at Somsai Garrison in partnership with the Assam Rifles and local NGO VVD. The initiative focused on afforestation, spring-source rejuvenation and groundwater recharge, highlighting the importance of integrated environmental conservation.
The programme was attended by Brigadier Amit Kumar Sharma, Commander of 10 Sector Assam Rifles, Lt. Col. Shiv Bahadur Singh and Commanding Officer of 18 Assam Rifles, Col. Manish Kadiyan.
Speaking to Assam Rifles personnel, Gitla praised the force not only as guardians of national security but also as protectors of the environment.
“When we think of Assam Rifles, we think of courage and unwavering commitment. But today, I also see guardians of the green,” she said. “The definition of security is evolving. Climate change, deforestation and ecological degradation have emerged as invisible threats that endanger communities and natural resources. Protecting our forests is essential to protecting our future.”
She stressed that Ukhrul’s rich biodiversity, pristine forests and unique wildlife habitats are increasingly vulnerable to environmental degradation. The loss of forests, she warned, would directly impact water sources, soil stability and the livelihoods of local communities.
A significant contribution to the campaign came from the 23 KfW-supported COSFOM villages, which collectively planted 2,27,170 saplings within their jurisdictions. The plantations were strategically focused on spring-shed rejuvenation, watershed management and community forest conservation, demonstrating strong grassroots participation in environmental stewardship.
Beyond plantation activities, the campaign also emphasized environmental awareness and legal accountability. The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ukhrul, in collaboration with the Forest Division, organized awareness programmes highlighting the importance of increasing green cover through sustainable practices and educating citizens on legal provisions related to forest, wildlife and environmental offences.
The EPMKN 3.0 campaign drew participation from government departments, educational institutions, youth groups, village authorities, civil society, biodiversity committees, self-help groups, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, churches, orphanages, and water resource conservation committees under the COSFOM-KfW Project, showcasing collective action.
