Ukhrul: In a massive stride toward ecological restoration, the Divisional Forest Officer of Ukhrul, Laishram Gitla, IFS launched the third edition of the Prime Minister’s flagship campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (EPMKN) 3.0” on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026 with an ambitious target of planting 2,47,170 saplings across the length and breadth of the district.
The ceremonial launching program was held at Eden Home Orphanage in Lanaitang. Speaking at the launch event, DFO Ukhrul, Laishram Gitla drew a powerful parallel between the journey of a seed and the inherent strength of the human spirit. She emphasized that true growth often emerges from enduring the harshest elements. ”Nature and humanity share the exact same story of resilience,” Ms. Gitla stated. “Like a seed that falls to the ground, it must face the scorching sun, the torrential rain, and the fierce storms. Yet, it breaks through the earth, reaches extraordinary heights, and ultimately provides shade and fruit to the world.”
Addressing the residents and attendees at Eden Home, the DFO remarked that every individual embodies that very same resilient seed. The DFO envisioned a transformative future for the participants of the program, encouraging them to channel their experiences into positive leadership. “No matter what storms they have faced, they have the inner strength to grow, to bloom, and to become the future stewards of our forests, our environment, and our humanity,” she added.
A seedling distribution program also took place at the Mini Secretariat Complex. Active participation in the program was shown by ADC/ADM, Polly Makan; SDO Jessami, Duna Duo; SDO Ukhrul, Dinringam Kamei; SDC Ukhrul, Hungyo Yurreikan; ZEO Ukhrul, Sunita Jajo and other District Level Officers along with departmental staffs participated in the event, where a diverse selection of native tree saplings were distributed to the public.
In a major collaborative push, a specialized plantation and water conservation awareness program was organized at the Somsai Garrison in collaboration with the Ukhrul Forest Division, led by the DFO, along with local NGO, VVD for spring rejuvenation initiatives. The initiative highlighted integrated efforts towards afforestation, spring-source conservation and ground water recharge. The program was also participated by Brigadier Amit Kumar Sharma (Commander, 10 Sector Assam Rifles). Lt. Col. Shiv Bahadur Singh and CO 18 AR Col. Manish Kadiyan.
Addressing the troops of the 10th Sector Assam Riffles at Sonpar Hall Somsai, DFO stated that the definition of security is evolving as ecological degradation has become an invisible and silent enemy that threaten our future just as fiercely as any geopolitical adversary. Further stating that the Assam Riffles have traditionally been hailed as “Friends of the Hill People,” she challenged the troops to also be friends of the hills themselves as one cannot protect the people without protecting the ecosystem that sustains them.
The backbone of the campaign’s overwhelming numbers rested on the 23 KfW-supported COSFOM villages. Demonstrating deep-rooted community commitment, these 23 villages alone drove the plantation of 2,27,170 saplings within their respective areas, focusing heavily on spring-shed rejuvenation, watershed management, and community forest conservation.
Beyond the soil, the EPMKN 3.0 initiative also sowed seeds of awareness. The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ukhrul in association with Ukhrul Forest Division organized a targeted awareness programme highlighting the critical need to enhance green cover through sustainable practices and community responsibility and stringent legal provisions governing forest, wildlife and environmental offences.
The EPMKN 3.0 campaign stood out as a premier example of community-led environmental stewardship. The massive conservation drive witnessed active, synchronized participation from a vast network of stakeholders, including: District Level Officers (DLOs) & Government Departments, Educational Institutions & Youth Organizations,District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Assam Rifles & Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) & Village Authorities, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs) & Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), Local Churches, Orphanages, and Water Resource Conservation Committees of COSFOM-KfW Project.
As the district united under the banner of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0, the celebration reaffirmed the collective commitment of all stakeholders toward ecological restoration, increased green cover, and the sustainable management of natural resources in Ukhrul district.
