Guwahati: Assam will develop a designated “Janmadin Seuj Shapat Udyan” (Birthday Green Pledge Garden) in each of its 126 assembly constituencies to encourage people to mark their birthdays by planting saplings and pledging to protect nature.Forest and environment minister Jayanta Mallabaruah launched the initiative, titled “Janmadin Seuj Shapat Udyan”, at Topatolli in Sonapur under Dimoria assembly constituency on Tuesday, the concluding day of Van Mahotsav.Two-year-old Bhaswika Talukdar became the first participant in the initiative, planting a sapling on her birthday at the ceremonial launch.Officials said the programme aims to turn birthdays into occasions for public participation in environmental conservation. Under the initiative, one such garden will be developed in each assembly constituency in phases, where citizens can plant saplings on their birthdays.Addressing the gathering, Mallabaruah said the initiative was designed to bring citizens closer to conservation efforts through personal involvement.“While the forest department has been carrying out afforestation programmes across the state, this initiative gives every citizen an opportunity to become a stakeholder in protecting our environment. A tree planted on one’s birthday carries memories, emotions and a sense of responsibility that grows stronger with time,” he said.The minister said the first garden has been set up in Dimoria assembly constituency and similar gardens will be developed across Assam in consultation with local legislators.“The forest department will work with local MLAs to identify suitable and easily accessible locations for setting up these gardens. The department will also maintain and care for the planted trees to ensure their long-term survival,” he said.Mallabaruah said citizens would be encouraged to visit the designated gardens on their birthdays, plant saplings and take a pledge to protect nature.He added that trees planted on personal occasions such as birthdays could help create an emotional connection with nature and encourage families to revisit the gardens and monitor the growth of their trees.“A sapling planted as part of a govt programme may survive for a few years. But a tree planted to celebrate one’s birthday carries memories, emotions and a lifelong sense of responsibility. This is the philosophy behind our new initiative,” he added.Assam observed the 77th Van Mahotsav from July 1 to July 7.
