Saurav Borkotoky launches ‘Nag Champa’ plantation drive in Dhekiajuli

A CORRESPONDENT

DHEKIAJULI: Renowned herpetologist and green crusader Saurav Borkotoky has embarked on a new environmental mission by initiating the plantation of rare and medicinal Nag Champa (Cannonball Tree) saplings. Known for his tireless efforts in promoting biodiversity and rare species through plantation drives, Borkotoky’s latest campaign took root on Sunday in Shaheed Nagari Dhekiajuli, with the active support of the environmental NGO Seuj Society.

As part of this green initiative, Nag Champa saplings were planted at several locations across Dhekiajuli, including the Rongali Bihu Ground in West Dhekiajuli, which is often referred to as the cultural and ecological heart of the region. The plantation drive was carried out under the guidance of Borkotoky, with Seuj Society’s State President Sanjay Baruah, executive member Sushanta Dutta, and local environmental activists Doly Das and Monmayuri Das playing key roles. The campaign was also supported by community leaders such as Girish Chandra Das (President) and Dulal Nath (Secretary).

In the second phase of the day’s activities, saplings were planted in Shaheed Udyan, with the participation of Kalpajyoti Nath, senior journalist and Secretary of the Co-District branch of Assam Press Correspondents’ Union (APCU), along with environmentalists like Bapdhan Das and Machinur Rahman, Secretary of the ‘Prakriti’ group.

During the event, Borkotoky highlighted the medicinal importance of Nag Champa (Cannonball tree), stating that it possesses multiple therapeutic properties including antibacterial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-arthritic, antidiarrheal, antifertility, anti-ulcer, anti-tumor, and more. Traditionally, almost every part of this rare tree has been used in herbal medicine.

Botanically known as a member of the Brazil-nut family (Lecythidaceae), the Cannonball tree is now gaining global attention due to its extensive pharmacological benefits. According to Borkotoky, a survey revealed that only seven such trees were found across Assam, underlining the urgency of conservation efforts.

Sunday’s plantation marked the second phase of Borkotoky’s Nag Champa campaign, which was first initiated in 2017. Without any government or private aid, Borkotoky has been personally driving the mission with dedication. The seeds for the current phase were sent by P Shiva Kumar to Tezpur, and the next two months will see plantation drives in all districts of Assam.

Saurav Borkotoky affirmed that this statewide Nag Champa plantation drive will continue in the coming months to revive the presence of this precious medicinal species.

Also Read: Assam: Ornamental Tree Saplings Planted in B.Ed College, Dhubri

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