Ukhrul Forest Division launched Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0 on World Environment Day, targeting plantation of over 2.47 lakh saplings across the district.
Ukhrul, June 5: The Ukhrul Forest Division on Thursday launched the third edition of the Prime Minister’s flagship ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (EPMKN) campaign, setting an ambitious target of planting 2,47,170 saplings across Ukhrul district as part of the World Environment Day 2026 observance.
The campaign, titled ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0’, was formally launched by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Laishram Gitla, IFS, at Eden Home Orphanage in Lanaitang. The initiative aims to strengthen ecological restoration efforts, expand green cover and encourage community participation in environmental conservation across the district.
Addressing the gathering at the launch programme, Gitla spoke about resilience and growth, drawing a comparison between the journey of a seed and the challenges faced by people in life. She said a seed must withstand harsh conditions such as intense heat, heavy rainfall and storms before growing into a tree that provides shade and sustenance. According to her, human beings possess the same capacity to overcome difficulties and emerge stronger.
Speaking to residents and children at Eden Home, the DFO encouraged them to see themselves as future guardians of the environment. She said every individual has the potential to transform personal experiences into positive action and contribute towards protecting forests, natural resources and biodiversity.
As part of the district-wide campaign, a seedling distribution programme was also organised at the Mini Secretariat Complex. Native tree saplings were distributed among members of the public, with district officials and representatives from various government departments taking part in the initiative.
Among those present were ADC/ADM Polly Makan, SDO Jessami Duna Duo, SDO Ukhrul Dinringam Kamei, SDC Ukhrul Hungyo Yurreikan, ZEO Ukhrul Sunita Jajo and several other district-level officers and departmental staff. The programme aimed to encourage residents to actively participate in plantation activities and support the district’s environmental goals.
The campaign extended beyond plantation efforts through a dedicated plantation and water conservation awareness programme held at Somsai Garrison. Organised jointly by the Ukhrul Forest Division and local NGO VVD, the programme focused on afforestation, spring-source rejuvenation and groundwater recharge.
Officials said the initiative highlighted the importance of linking tree plantation with water conservation measures to improve ecosystem health and ensure sustainable management of natural resources. The programme brought together government agencies, civil society organisations and security forces in a collaborative effort towards environmental protection.
The awareness programme was attended by Brigadier Amit Kumar Sharma, Commander of 10 Sector Assam Rifles, Lt. Col. Shiv Bahadur Singh and Col. Manish Kadiyan, Commanding Officer of 18 Assam Rifles, along with officials and community representatives.
A significant contribution to the plantation target came from the 23 KfW-supported COSFOM villages spread across the district. According to the Forest Division, these villages alone undertook the plantation of 2,27,170 saplings within their respective jurisdictions.
The plantation activities in these villages focused on spring-shed rejuvenation, watershed management and community forest conservation, reflecting the growing role of local communities in environmental stewardship. Officials said such community-led initiatives are critical for restoring degraded landscapes, protecting water sources and strengthening climate resilience at the grassroots level.
Environmental awareness also formed a key component of the campaign. The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ukhrul, in association with the Ukhrul Forest Division, organised a programme highlighting sustainable environmental practices and legal provisions relating to forest, wildlife and environmental offences.
The EPMKN 3.0 campaign witnessed participation from a broad range of stakeholders, including government departments, educational institutions, youth organisations, NGOs, civil society organisations, village authorities, Biodiversity Management Committees, Self-Help Groups, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, churches, orphanages and water resource conservation committees associated with the COSFOM-KfW project.
Officials said the large-scale mobilisation reflected a shared commitment towards ecological restoration, increasing green cover and promoting sustainable management of natural resources across Ukhrul district. With plantation activities taking place across villages, institutions and community spaces, the campaign aims to leave a lasting environmental impact while strengthening public participation in conservation efforts.
