Sarupathar Launches Major Green Initiative Ahead of World Environment Day
Ambitious Green Initiative Announced
Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan detailing about the green initiatives and plans on Tuesday (Photo: AT)
Jorhat, June 3: In preparation for World Environment Day, the Sarupathar constituency has initiated an extensive green project aimed at distributing 500,000 saplings at no cost and creating a 100-bigha Zubeen Garg Nahar Udyan in Uriamghat.
On Tuesday, Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan unveiled this initiative, emphasizing its goal to foster environmental preservation and enhance public involvement in sustaining ecological balance amidst rising temperatures and climate change.
The saplings will be accessible through all 21 panchayats and two municipalities starting June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day.
During the first phase, approximately 250,000 saplings will be distributed from June 5 to June 17 via village panchayats.
Phukan noted that an additional 250,000 saplings are prepared for the second phase, bringing the total to 500,000 saplings.
“Each sapling provided will be a valuable and economically advantageous species. Residents can collect them free of charge from the offices of the 21 panchayats and two municipalities,” he stated.
He also mentioned that if the initial distribution is successful by June 12, the second phase will commence immediately.
In parallel, efforts are being made to establish the Zubeen Garg Nahar Udyan at Uriamghat.
Originally planned for 50 bighas, the project has now expanded to nearly 100 bighas, which will include the planting of 5,000 Nahar saplings.
“Preliminary work, including site development, will start in the coming days. We have 5,000 Nahar saplings ready in our nursery. The garden will be developed in a well-planned and visually appealing manner, with a formal plantation event scheduled soon,” the MLA added.
Phukan highlighted that the initiative has garnered support from the Forest Department, district administration, local organizations, student groups, self-help groups, women's associations, and various community organizations.
Additionally, personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) stationed in border areas are expected to join the plantation efforts.
“As temperatures rise and many regions face drought-like conditions, we are making dedicated efforts to maintain ecological balance through extensive tree planting,” he remarked.
This plantation initiative is particularly significant due to its location.
Uriamghat, situated in Golaghat's Sarupathar subdivision, lies within the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along the Assam-Nagaland border, a region that has seen tensions over alleged encroachments and territorial disputes.
The area gained attention recently after a controversy arose on May 25 regarding the installation of a signboard indicating a Nagaland village in Dimorujan village within Uriamghat.
Local residents reported that a shop was opened in the village by Naga individuals, with a signboard labeling the location as “Wochan Village” and listing an address from a district in Nagaland.
This development raised concerns among residents, who perceived it as part of a larger trend of alleged encroachment along the interstate border.
This incident is not isolated; the Assam-Nagaland border region has experienced several such flashpoints in recent months, keeping the issues of territorial claims and border management in the public eye.