Massive fire destroys Assam’s world record-breaking tree plantation drive in Udalguri

A grand vision to set a global environmental benchmark has turned into devastation as a massive fire destroyed nearly 10 lakh saplings planted under Assam’s Amrit Vriksha Andolan in Chikaribhanga, Udalguri. 

What was meant to be a historic afforestation initiative, launched by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma nearly a year ago, has now become a symbol of loss and controversy. 

The ambitious plantation drive had been undertaken to surpass Pakistan’s record of planting 8 lakh saplings in 24 hours, with Assam proudly achieving the milestone of 10 lakh saplings in a single day. 

But this achievement was short-lived as miscreants allegedly set fire to the site, reducing the young trees to ashes within minutes.

The initiative, executed under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme, was a massive investment of Rs 3.33 crore. 

The Assam Forest Department had taken up the challenge of transforming 100 hectares of barren land along the Assam-Arunachal border into a thriving green zone. 

Led by retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests M.K. Yadav, the plantation was hailed as a step towards environmental restoration, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience. 

However, the destruction of the saplings has now sparked intense debate over the sustainability of such large-scale afforestation efforts.

Eyewitnesses and local reports confirm that the fire was an act of deliberate arson. The blaze, spreading rapidly across the plantation site, wiped out months of effort in mere moments. 

The sheer scale of the destruction has sent shockwaves through environmental circles, with activists and conservationists questioning the security and management of government-backed afforestation projects. 

Many blame the Assam Forest Department’s negligence, arguing that despite the enormous financial investment, adequate measures were not in place to protect the plantation from such an attack.

Adding fuel to the controversy, concerns have been raised over the survival strategy of the saplings. 

Environmental activist Dilip Nath has strongly criticized the project’s execution, alleging that planting saplings in dry land during drought conditions, without ensuring a sustainable irrigation system, was a glaring misuse of government funds. 

According to Nath, the saplings were watered for just a single day using fire service vehicles, which were then reassigned elsewhere, leaving the plants vulnerable to dehydration and fire hazards. He pointed out that such mismanagement not only violated best practices in afforestation but also undermined the very goal of the Amrit Vriksha Andolan.

Also Read: Assam: Another key accused in online trading scam arrested in Tripura

Nath further referenced the 2019 announcement by former Union Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar, who had allocated Rs 560.8 crore to each state for afforestation. With such significant funding at play, he has now openly challenged CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to personally visit Chikaribhanga and verify whether any of the saplings have survived the ordeal. 

His criticism has resonated with many environmentalists, who are now demanding greater accountability in the execution and maintenance of such large-scale projects.

In response to the devastating fire, the Assam Forest Department and local administration have launched an investigation. Authorities are working to identify those responsible for the arson while assessing the extent of the financial and ecological loss. 

Although no official announcement has been made regarding the replanting of the lost trees, experts are urging the government to reconsider its afforestation approach. The call for action includes increased security for plantation sites, sustainable irrigation plans, and continuous monitoring to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

The fallout from the fire has reignited a larger debate about the effectiveness of government-led afforestation projects. While grand plantation drives create impressive headlines, critics argue that their long-term success hinges on proper care, protection, and community involvement. Without a dedicated maintenance plan, large-scale afforestation efforts may fail to deliver on their promise of environmental restoration.

The Chikaribhanga fire is not just a loss of 10 lakh saplings; it is a wake-up call. It underscores the urgent need for stronger security measures, scientific afforestation methods, and a shift from mere plantation targets to sustainable green cover development. 

As investigations continue, the people of Assam—and the nation—await answers. Can such ambitious environmental projects be safeguarded? Will the Amrit Vriksha Andolan rise again from the ashes? The future of Assam’s afforestation dreams now depends on the lessons learned from this tragedy and the steps taken to ensure that history does not repeat itself.