In a powerful appeal marking World Environment Day. Tripura Forest and Climate Change Minister Animesh Debbarma called on citizens to shoulder greater responsibility for protecting nature. Addressing a state-level function at the Nature Interpretation Centre in Sepahijala. Debbarma emphasized the urgent need for both individual and collective action in the face of rising environmental degradation.
Highlighting this year’s global theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience,” the minister said Tripura must align its policies with sustainable practices to prevent irreversible damage to its forests, biodiversity, and agricultural lands.
Focus on Forests, Soil Health, and Public Participation
During his speech, Debbarma outlined the Forest Department’s vision to enhance green cover, improve soil health, and promote community participation in reforestation efforts. He said, “Tripura is blessed with rich forest resources and diverse wildlife, but this ecological wealth is under constant pressure from urbanization, deforestation, and plastic pollution.”
He urged citizens, especially the youth, to become “green warriors.” And participate in local eco-restoration programs. The minister announced plans for a mass plantation drive across all eight districts. It will target degraded land areas and riverbanks, to be launched later this month.
“We must treat every tree as a guardian of our future. Planting trees is not just a symbolic gesture—it is a survival strategy,” Debbarma said.
Environmental Campaigns Launched
As part of the World Environment Day celebration, the Forest Department also launched multiple awareness campaigns, including the “One Child, One Tree” initiative. In collaboration with schools and colleges. The campaign aims to instill environmental values among children by making them responsible for nurturing a sapling planted in their name.
Workshops and street plays were also organized in Agartala and other towns to raise awareness about climate change, plastic pollution, and wildlife conservation. Eco-clubs, NGOs, and panchayats were involved in cleaning rivers, restoring wetlands, and promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic.
An exhibition showcasing eco-tourism potential and sustainable products by forest-based self-help groups was inaugurated by the minister. Drawing attention to the link between environmental protection and livelihood generation.
Need for Climate-Resilient Policies
Tripura, with its fragile forest ecosystem, is especially vulnerable to climate change-induced threats like droughts, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. Minister Debbarma stressed the need for climate-resilient forest management policies, including community-based fire prevention, water conservation, and agroforestry.
He also pointed out that forest-based economies must be modernized to reduce pressure on natural resources. “We are working to integrate technology in forest monitoring and ensure that our policies address the realities of climate change,” he said.
Role of Citizens in Environmental Protection
While government action is essential, Debbarma emphasized that real change can only happen when citizens embrace sustainable living. He encouraged everyone to reduce plastic use, adopt waste segregation, conserve water, and use public transport when possible.
“You don’t need to be a policymaker to make a difference. Every act counts—be it switching off lights, carrying your own cloth bag, or avoiding disposable cutlery,” he said.
A Green Vision for Tripura’s Future
The Tripura Forest Department has also committed to expanding the state’s bamboo economy, improving the capacity of joint forest management committees, and promoting carbon-neutral tourism in key wildlife sanctuaries such as Sepahijala, Trishna, and Rowa.
Environmentalists present at the event lauded the minister’s proactive vision, urging faster implementation of promised initiatives and continued engagement with grassroots stakeholders.
As World Environment Day concluded with the planting of hundreds of saplings across various districts, the Forest Minister reiterated that saving nature is not just a one-day affair but a lifelong responsibility.
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