GOALPARA, July 19 - The roadside tree plantation or avenue plantation scheme, taken up under the MNREGA covering the NH-37 and all the roads under PMGSY, AACP in Goalpara district, was inaugurated recently at Solmari, 6 km from here, by the district administration in the presence of an august gathering.
Ceremonially inaugurating the scheme covering a 4.5-km stretch of the road from Goalpara town to Solmari by planting a sapling at the venue under the Balijana development block, Goalpara Deputy Commissioner JVN Subramanyam said that the basic aim is to enhance the existing green cover by planting trees which in turn will maintain the ecological balance in the district.
He also informed that the scheme, which has been taken up under the MNREGA, also aimed at creating sustainable assets for the rural poor, besides providing them with 100 days of unskilled work for the financial year as guaranteed under the scheme. Moreover, Subramanyam added that a total of 88,397 saplings will be planted along the roads by July-end. He also urged all those present to ensure that these plants are well looked after so that these become full grown trees in future.
Also speaking on the occasion, DRDA Project Director Khanindra Choudhury said that nahar trees, which will give a beautiful look to the surroundings, in addition to soil and water conservation, will be planted along the entire 60-km stretch of the NH-37 in the district from Dhupdhara to Pancharatna, besides along other roads. He said presently 15 job card holders have been engaged for 60 days for proper upkeep of these 850 saplings planted along this 4.5-km road stretch.
Meanwhile, Balijana BDO Abdul Majjid, who is also in-charge BDO of Kushdhowa, informed this correspondent that another 450 saplings of bakul and fruit bearing trees were planted along a 4-km stretch of the PMGSY road Agia to Dalek. He said four roads under the PMGSY, the NH and ACCP will be covered under the avenue plantation within the schedule time.
