OUR CORRESPONDENT
KOKRAJHAR: Along with the rest of the world, the World Environment Day was celebrated at different places by the Department of Forest, NGOs, and educational institutions in Kokrajhar district on Thursday. The Department of Forest, BTC observed the day at Digli in Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park. Saplings were planted by BTC chief Pramod Boro, Minister UG Brahma, MP Joyanta Basumatary, Forest EM Ranjit Basumatary, EM Dhananjay Basumatary, and MLA Lawrence Islary.
Addressing a huge gathering at Digli in Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, Boro said that the Government of BTR had committed to restoring all degraded reserve forests to ensure greener and healthier Bodoland. He said, “We have destroyed most of the forests across the world. The loss of the environment causes abnormal rise of temperature, melting of glaciers, irregular raining and climate change.” He added that important forests of BTC had also been destroyed and resources exploited. He said that the Government of BTR took initiative to create Raimana National Park with over 500 square kilometers and Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park with 316 square kilometres to protect the green forests and biodiversity to maintain ecological balance. He said that many rich people from Kokrajhar town had purchased lands inside forests in Ultapani and Saralpara, encouraging people to destroy forests. He called upon all to protect the reserve forests and wild animals and plant more trees to save the Earth from global warming.
Boro also said that tourist flow was increasing in Manas National Park, Raimana National Park, and Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park in Bodoland, giving an opportunity of livelihood to local people. He also said that Rs 11 crore was earmarked for the development of Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park and the Park would be developed in all spheres.
The BTC chief said, “On the occasion of World Environment Day, I planted trees along with Cabinet Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, BTCLA Speaker Katiram Boro, my colleague EMs, and our enthusiastic young Green Warriors. 1200 saplings were planted in the premises of Kokrajhar Medical College & Hospital. As part of our Green Bodoland Mission, we are also creating the region’s first indigenous Miyawaki Forest Creation Project in BTC Secretariat premises, under which 7,000 saplings will be planted, marking a collective step towards a greener, healthier future for Bodoland.”
In his speech, Minister UG Brahma said that the United Nations initiated the World Environment Day to save the mother Earth as climate change and global warming were posing serious threats to humanity across the world. He said that the ecological imbalances were increasing everywhere and thus nations across the world were working for conservation of forests. He said that the people in tribal areas used to depend on forest products but the massive destruction of forests have impacted their livelihood.
Forest EM of BTC Ranjit Basumatary said that over 14,000 families from the villagers adjacent to Raimana National Park would be given land titlement within a short time. On the occasion, forest lover Jahar Bhoumik, who had planted over 10,000 trees, was felicitated by Minister UG Brahma.
Earlier, BTC chief Pramod Boro planted a sapling in the premises of Kokrajhar Medical College. Minister UG Brahma and MLA Lawrence Islary also planted trees along with staff and Medical students. Boro also joined the plantation programme at BTC Secretariat complex.
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