As part of its project for employment and income generation through afforestation, Assam Rifles on Friday distributed 1,10,000 fruit bearing and ornamental saplings to 31 villages of Tengnoupal district in Manipur.

This comes as an outcome of growing concern for deforestation and loss of natural habitat for millions of local flora and fauna, which leads to climate change.

The saplings were distributed by Brigadier AS Chauhan, Commander of 26 Sector Assam Rifles. Dr L Jeeceelee, DFO, Tengnoupal and representatives of Horticulture Department were also present at event.

Saplings which were distributed included cashew nut, litchi, coconut, Orange, lemon, banana, rubber among others.