HT Correspondent
NAGAON, June 6: In order to spread awareness about the adverse impacts of climate change among rural masses, the Assam RO of NABARD organised an event to observe World Environment Day at its Derapathar Watershed Project area in Hojai district, with the theme of ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, Drought Resilience’.
The event was attended by DDM, NABARD Rajendar Perna, GM of Z Black Diamond Agarwood LLP. (ZBDALLP) Bedanta Haldar, the secretary of Derapathar GP, Sujit Dey, the secretary of Gramya Unnayan Santha, Mukut Deka, the Village Watershed Committee members, and other hundred beneficiary participants.
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Speaking on the occasion, Rajendar Perna, DDM, NABARD, informed the participants that as an apex development organisation, NABARD has been formulating and supporting various projects for the sustainable development of rural areas and agriculture, as well as other allied sectors, since its inception. During the event, he cited the relevance of water in day-to-day activities and conservation of soil for cultivation and plantation activities. Accordingly, in convergence with Z Black Diamond Agarwood LLP, he arranged for free distribution cum plantation of 300 saplings of Agarwood (Aquilaria Malaccensis) among the beneficiaries of the Derapathar Watershed Project.
Sajidur Rahman of Z Black Diamond LLP shared information regarding the process of artificial inoculation specialised by the Agency, including the support and scope for buy-back arrangements.
As part of the event, all the invited dignitaries also planted saplings of agarwood in the fields. The beneficiaries also expressed their sincere gratitude to NABARD Assam RO as well as others for supporting them on the occasion of World Environment Day, as asserted in a press note here.
Our Margherita correspondent adds: Ledo Valley Lions Club on Thursday organised World Environment Day at their Margherita office with the theme ‘No Life Without Trees’.
Lekhapani range forest officer Parasmita Neog was present as the chief guest, along with many resource persons and distinguished individuals such as Ledo Valley Lions Club president BS Virdi, vice president Bishal Agarwal, secretary Manish Sharma, treasurer, Digboi region DC Environment Gopal Das, noted orthopedic of Margherita Dr Sandeep Prasad, physiotherapist Dr Zabeen Akhtar, Margherita Buddha Vihar head monk Gyanowada Bhikkhu, Margherita journalists Mithun Baruah, Jitu Gogoi, Dipak Kharia, Hemanta Ghosh, among many others.
In his speech, Gopal Das emphasised that if there are trees, there will be human beings; it is difficult for us to survive without protecting our mother nature. He expressed concern that nowadays ‘World Environment Day’ is held only for photo sessions, where people gather only to take photos and put them on their social media, which is not a good sign at all.
Gyanowada Bhikkhu stated that World Environment Day is not just a celebration; it should be observed daily by planting saplings, providing water, and protecting them from storms and other natural calamities.
Parasmita Neog, in her speech, urged everyone to come together to protect our mother nature; otherwise, we will have to face the anger of mother nature in the coming days.
After all the chief guests and guests present planted saplings at the compound of Ledo Valley Lions Club, Margherita.
The members of Ledo Valley Lions Club took an oath to plant more than 10,000 saplings annually at Margherita sub-division.
Our Dibrugarh correspondent adds: On the occasion of World Environment Day 2024, various awareness programs among children, employees, and stakeholders were organised at Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL).
Pranjal Changmai, managing director of BCPL, along with senior officials, inaugurated the souvenir titled ‘Envicare Vol. V’, an initiative taken by BCPL’s Environment Department for raising awareness and educating the people. Changmai emphasised on water and energy conservation in BCPL units.
A mass plantation drive was conducted at BCPL Lepetkata plant along with CISF BCPL. Plantation drives were also carried out at Duliajan plant and Lakwa plant. During the awareness session at BCPL Lepetkata, other locations including the Guwahati office, Lakwa unit, and Duliajan unit were connected through video conference.
Drawing and quiz competitions were organised among children of BCPL/GAIL employees at BCPL Township Barbaruah, BCPL Township Sivasagar, and Duliajan plant. Saplings were also planted by the children at BCPL Township Barbaruah and Duliajan plant.
Our Gossaigaon correspondent adds: The Environment & Forest Department of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTR) Kokrajhar observed the 51st World Environment Day and the third anniversary of Raimona National Park with a day-long program at the Kachugaon Forest IB premises under the Central Range, Kachugaon Forest Division, Gossaigaon, on Wednesday last.
The event commenced with a sapling plantation drive at Takampur near the SSB Camp. Distinguished guests, including executive members of BTR, Ranjit Basumatary and Wilson Hasda, along with participants from various walks of life, took part in planting a total of 1100 saplings.
Following the plantation drive, a public meeting was also held at the Kachugaon Heritage IB compound to raise awareness about the importance of forests and wildlife in maintaining ecological balance. In his welcome and inaugural speech, Additional principal chief conservator of forests and council head of department, Forest, BTC, Kokrajhar, Sumon Mohapatra, IFS, emphasised the significance of World Environment Day.
A celebratory cake was sliced to mark the third anniversary of Raimona National Park, presented by WTI & AARYANK, which works under Raimona National Park. Executive member, BTR, Ranjit Basumatry, who graced the occasion as chief guest, spoke on the importance of conserving and protecting Raimona National Park.
The public meeting also featured addresses from executive members Ukil Mushahary and Wilson Hasda, MLA Jiron Basumatary, and other distinguished guests. Awards for an essay competition among school children were also distributed on the occasion.
