Assam Launches Real-Time Deforestation Monitoring Portal
New Portal for Deforestation Monitoring
Guwahati, June 6: A new portal has been introduced in Assam that allows for real-time tracking of forest cover loss, enabling prompt action against deforestation.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this initiative on Thursday, emphasizing that artificial intelligence (AI) will facilitate the timely receipt of information regarding deforestation.
“Typically, we only learn about deforestation after significant damage has occurred, but this system will provide updates in real time,” the Chief Minister explained.
He also encouraged citizens to plant a tree in memory of their mothers, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative. “The Prime Minister has motivated everyone to plant trees in honor of their mothers, and we in Assam should commit to tree planting throughout the year,” he stated.
“Today, I launched a portal where individuals can document their tree planting efforts and track the growth of their plants over time,” Sarma shared with reporters following a World Environment Day event.
Additionally, he presented arms and ammunition to the newly established third Forest Protection Battalion, aimed at protecting forests and wildlife. Sarma also inaugurated 130 vehicles designated for various forest ranges and divisions.
On the topic of banning plastic bottles to mitigate drain blockages and urban waterlogging, Sarma noted that local entrepreneurs have started businesses producing mineral water bottles with bank loans and requested that the ban not be enforced.
“When we attempted to prohibit one-liter bottles, we received appeals from these entrepreneurs, which we had to consider; however, 500 ml bottles are now banned in the state,” he clarified.
The state government is set to collaborate with Oil India Limited (OIL) to produce biofuel from plastic waste. OIL plans to establish biofuel production facilities in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Tezpur, and Guwahati. “We will provide the waste plastics to OIL, and we anticipate a gradual reduction in this issue,” Sarma concluded.