Union Home Minister launches the Green Sohra Afforestation Campaign

What is the News?

The Union Home Minister has launched the Green Sohra Afforestation Campaign at Sohra (Cherrapunji).

About Green Sohra Afforestation Campaign:

• Green Sohra Afforestation Campaign is a campaign of the Assam Rifles.
• Under the campaign, the entire area of ​​Cherrapunji is going to be adopted by Assam Rifles for plantation.
• So when the trees are cut for fuel and other uses, 80% of the total land will be planted with traditional and long lifespan trees. The remaining 20% ​​will be used for animal feed, ornamental plants, and nursery which will meet all the requirements and help reduce the feeling of long lifespan trees.
• With this technique, multi-level farming is done, and the forest grows 30 times faster and after 3 years it becomes free of maintenance.

About Greater Sohra Water Project:

• The Project was launched by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region(DoNER) and the Government of Meghalaya under the North-East Special Infrastructure Scheme.
• The project is a part of the Prime Minister’s ambitious project Jal Jeevan Mission.
• The project aims to provide pure drinking water through taps to every household in Sohra (Cherrapunji) region.

About Cherrapunji:

• Cherrapunji or Sohra is a subdivisional town in the East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya.It is the traditional capital of ka hima Sohra (Khasi tribal kingdom).
• Sohra has often been credited as being the wettest place on Earth, but for now nearby Mawsynram currently holds that distinction.
• However, Cherrapunji still holds the all-time record for the most rainfall in a calendar month and in a year.

About North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme(NESIDS):

• NESIDS is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region(DoNER) in 2017.
• Aim: The Project aims to ensure focused development of the North East Region by providing financial assistance for projects of
  • physical infrastructure relating to water supply, power, connectivity to enhance tourism and
  • social sector for creation of infrastructure in the areas of primary and secondary sectors of education and health.