BONGAIGAON, June 5 - Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi promised to take bold steps against �corruption� and wanton �destruction of forests� in Bodoland Territorial Areas District (BTAD) before the media today after he joined a sapling plantation programme in Chirang district to mark celebration of the World Environment Day.
Professor Mukhi today launched a project titled, �Hariyali� by planting 1500 saplings at the headquarters of 15 Battalion of Shashtra Seema Bal (SSB) at Kajalgaon in the district.
Under this project, a total of four lakh saplings will be planted in all the four districts (one lakh for each district) of BTAD till the month of August to enrich the green cover which is 36.5 per cent at present, the Governor said.
He held a meeting with the officials of the Army, SSB, CRPF and police personnel at Chirang Deputy Commissioner�s office to ensure steps against illegal felling of trees in the forest areas of BTAD and boost up the moral of the officials to keep up the fight against Covid-19.
Professor Mukhi said, �Although three protected areas � Manas National Park, Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary have the potential to sustain wide varieties of flora and fauna, we have to work assiduously for the protection of the environment and our natural legacy of rich biodiversity.�
To check corruption in BTAD areas, complaint boxes have been put up in 75 official campuses, the Governor said.
Besides, a public hearing, �Janata Darbar,� will be conducted on every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am at the Deputy Commissioner�s office, BTC Secretariat and Sub-Divisional Offices in the BTAD districts, to address public grievances, Prof Mukhi said.
Since Model Code of Conduct is in force in BTAD, so it is prohibited to announce new government schemes during these days. So, the Governor has asked the BTC administrator Rajesh Prasad to implement the Prime Minister�s flagship programmes for the greater benefit of the people.
Before addressing a news meet at Manas Guest House in Bongaigaon Refinery�s township, the Governor had a meeting with the activists and leaders of various political, religious, social and non-governmental organisations at the Deputy Commissioner�s office to get a latest update of the situation prevailing in the BTAD.
