Jan 14 : A sharp dip in forest cover in Bongaigaon — from 40 per cent to 8 per cent — has prompted the administration to launch an ambitious afforestation programme that aims to restore much of the lost greenery within a year. “There was a time when Bongaigaon was known for its dense forests and wildlife. But the landscape has changed dramatically over the years. There is little wildlife to speak of and the forests now form only a thin canopy,” deputy commissioner M. Angamuthu said. Named Mission Green Bongaigaon, the project aims at planting at least 20 lakh saplings on 1,094 acres within a year. If the plan works, the forest cover will increase from 8 per cent to 30 per cent by next year. “We need to motivate people to take part in the afforestation drive and not reserve the project only at the administrative level,” Angamuthu said. The afforestation drive could also earn a record for the district like it did for Choutaki village, he said. Choutaki, a village in Bongaigaon, has found a name in the Guinness Book of World Records for planting more than 280,000 saplings in 24 hours. |
Drive to restore forest cover
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Sinlung
