TEZPUR, Nov 22 - There are not many like this humble teacher, Haren Morang, who has set an example in Nature conservation by spending most of his earnings in his mission to create a green environment in Tezpur.
Many refer to this professor of History in Darrang College as a lunatic because of this, but his efforts have been well recognized by Nature lovers through their positive response. Morang, who had begun his mission in 2015 with a platform christened �Udrupan� with a handful of supporters, is now a source of attraction for those who really love Nature and seek ecological balance around them.
It may be mentioned that Udrupan is a combination of two Assamese words � udjapan and rupan � meaning celebration and plantation.
�I started my journey from my residential campus, planting a sapling on the occasion of my son�s birthday to motivate him to love Nature,� Morang said. Till date, adopting the area between Porwa Chariali and Darrang College as a focal point, Udrupan has till date planted 175 saplings. Protected with scientifically manufactured barricades that cost about Rs 2,500 and nurtured like children, the variety of plants including debodaru, nahor, ajaar, krishnasura, bokul, sonaru, etc, have now grown into tall trees enhancing the town�s scenic beauty.
�Everyone thought I had gone out of my mind, for spending my hard-earned money in my plantation drive. However, it was my inner calling and I couldn�t ignore it. So, for the last four to five years, I have been doing what I can do with two fellow members, Dr Rajib Baruah and Tapan Das, to make this historically significant town greener and cleaner,� Morang said.
The area from Porwa Chariali to Darrang College proves that Morang is right. The rows of systematically planted trees speak of his yearning for plantation and provide an insight into the man�s immense love for the environment.
�Now, the people who are sensitive enough about the environmental issues celebrate their special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, Independence Day, Republic Day, etc, by planting a sapling to maintain a emotional attachment. We are providing a platform to them to be responsible towards the environment, and we have noticed that they have also nurtured the trees spontaneously.
�Global warming, air pollution, etc, are posing a serious threat to the world. If we do not take necessary steps to increase greenery for the sake of raising the level of oxygen in the air, the coming generation will struggle to survive,� Morang said, adding that despite the troubles they face during their mission, they are happy because their inner self is satisfied.
Morang is hopeful that a time will come when each and every man will realize that it was his or her pious duty to keep the surroundings green in the greater interest of an ecologically balanced world.
Udrupan is planning to carry out plantation in certain prime locations, including Maithan and Mahabhairab temple, and if allowed, it would plant one lakh trees in the town in the days to come, without obstructing any developmental activity.
�As it has become a part of our life, it will be a continuous process. In a few years, Tezpur will get a more natural look and attract both foreign and domestic tourists.� Morang said.
