Every year, as World Environment Day arrives, a wave of tree-planting campaigns sweeps across the country. Government and private organizations, educational institutions, political parties, social groups, business establishments, and even individuals participate in planting millions of saplings. News outlets, social media platforms, and government advertisements are filled with messages and pledges about building a greener planet. However, behind this enthusiasm lies a critical question: How many of these saplings actually survive and grow into trees?
When we seek an answer to this question, it becomes evident that many environmental initiatives have turned into mere formalities and exercises in statistics. The number of saplings planted is carefully recorded, but little attention is paid to their survival and growth. It often appears as though the saplings are important only for the photo opportunity. Once the event ends, so does the responsibility. This mindset has reduced a vital environmental mission into a symbolic activity.
Today, the world faces serious environmental challenges—global warming, deforestation, air pollution, climate change, and declining groundwater levels. These are not minor concerns; they pose a direct threat to human civilization itself. In such a situation, tree planting is undoubtedly a necessary step. However, believing that our responsibility ends once a sapling is planted is nothing short of self-deception.
In reality, many saplings are planted without selecting suitable soil, considering seasonal conditions, or preparing any plan for their maintenance. As a result, within weeks or months, many of these saplings dry up, die, or are consumed by grazing animals. Yet, the following year, another plantation drive is often organized at the same location. The cycle continues, but there is little visible increase in actual green cover. Otherwise, the countless saplings planted across Assam over the years would have already transformed the state into a much greener landscape.
This raises an important question: Who is responsible for a sapling after it is planted? Is it the government department that organized the plantation? The organization that conducted the program? Or is the responsibility left to local residents? Unfortunately, in most cases, there is no clear answer. As a result, thousands of saplings die due to a lack of accountability.
Governments often promote tree plantation figures as indicators of successful environmental policies. However, the number of trees planted cannot be the sole measure of success. The true benchmark should be how many trees survive for five years, ten years, or even longer, and how much they contribute to the environment. A lack of reliable data and independent evaluation in this regard is clearly visible.
Environmental conservation is not a one-day celebration. It is an ongoing social responsibility. Along with planting trees, protecting them, conserving forests, preserving green spaces amid rapid urbanization, and raising public awareness about environmental issues are equally important.
Therefore, on this World Environment Day, there is also a need for self-reflection. Do we genuinely want to protect the environment, or are we merely fulfilling the ritual of celebrating an occasion and freeing ourselves from responsibility?
Planting a tree is easy. Nurturing that sapling into a large, healthy tree requires responsibility, patience, planning, and commitment. The true significance of World Environment Day will be realized only when we understand and fulfill that responsibility.
