HT Correspondent
BISWANATH CHARIALI, July 10: Assam Police constable Raj Kumar Sarma, posted at the 12th AP Battalion in Kusumtola, Jamugurihat, has undertaken a significant afforestation initiative by planting 1,100 medicinal saplings along both sides of National Highway 15.
According to information received, the green mission was formally launched on June 19 in front of the 12th AP Battalion headquarters.
Related Posts:
Naduar MLA Padma Hazarika inaugurated the initiative in the presence of officials and staff of the 12th AP Battalion, 5 Commando Battalion, and members of the general public.
As part of the first phase of the project, constable Sarma selected the 15-kilometre stretch between the historic Nagsankar Temple and the Chowkighat bridge on the Jiya Bharali river.
He planted medicinal species including Mahaneem and Arjun along this segment of the highway.
Speaking to this correspondent, Sarma expressed his long-term goal of planting 5,000 saplings along a 100-kilometre stretch from Chowkighat bridge to Gohpur town.
Having completed 1,100 plantations this year over 15 kilometres, he plans to plant the remaining 3,900 saplings along the next 85 kilometres in the following year.
Explaining the motivation behind his environmental initiative, Sarma said that rampant deforestation in the name of industrialisation and urbanisation has led to environmental imbalances, including drought-like conditions and extreme temperatures.
Through this mission, he aims to raise awareness about nature conservation and set an example for others.
Sarma also stated that he would personally look after each planted sapling to ensure its growth and survival.
Notably, the constable has so far spent ₹1.23 lakh on the initiative, which included expenses for green plastic netting, bamboo posts, and labour charges.
