Transforming Sandbanks: A Green Revolution Along the Brahmaputra
A Green Initiative in Jorhat
Kamaleswar Kutum has helped create a forested landscape that now shelters wildlife
Jorhat, May 14: For the last eight years, a resident of Jorhat has been spearheading an extensive afforestation project along the Brahmaputra River in Jajimukh, successfully converting barren sandbanks, known locally as char areas, into a flourishing green habitat.
By planting approximately 1.15 million saplings over an area of about 1,200 hectares, Kamaleswar Kutum has established a forested environment that now provides shelter to various wildlife species, including numerous birds.
“Since 2019, we have been actively planting saplings along the Brahmaputra’s banks. With some assistance from the Balipara Foundation, a dedicated team of around 150 to 200 individuals has been involved in this initiative,” Kutum explained.
This project not only focuses on environmental restoration but has also created modest job opportunities for local inhabitants, many of whom are now engaged in planting and maintaining the saplings.
Motivated by the environmental advocacy of Assam’s cultural figure Zubeen Garg, whose messages have deeply resonated throughout the region, Kutum has embraced a path focused on conservation and community involvement.
However, for Kutum, the act of planting saplings was merely the first step. He has committed to the ongoing care, protection, and monitoring of these plantations, allowing the saplings to develop into a dense green cover that supports wildlife and enhances biodiversity.
His larger goal, he stated, is not only to green the Earth but also to mitigate the increasing human-animal conflicts by restoring natural forest habitats.
“The main channel of the Brahmaputra and its adjacent smaller channels have extensive stretches of unused land. These areas hold potential for transformation through plantation initiatives,” Kutum remarked.
Today, his efforts have inspired many young individuals in the flood-prone Jajimukh area, with several youths joining the mission to reclaim and rejuvenate the Brahmaputra’s sandbanks.