JORHAT, July 3 - Jorhat Lok Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa yesterday inaugurated the week-long 69th Van Mahotsav programme organised at the Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI) at Sotai outskirts here.
On the occasion, Tasa planted a sapling of rupahi thekera (garcinia lancaefolia) in the RFRI premises.
Speaking in the function organised to mark the launching of the programme, Tasa emphasized on the need of planting more number of trees in the institutional campuses.
The MP appealed to one and all to plant trees on roadside to increase green cover.
Expressing concern over dwindling forest cover, Tasa urged all stakeholders of the society to come forward to strive for conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems while undertaking developmental work.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, RFRI Director Dr RSC Jayaraj, spoke about the genesis of the celebration of Vana Mahotsav since 1950.
He gave a detailed account of various efforts taken by various governments since independence to make the country green and also meet the societal need of fuel wood and timber.
Speaking on behalf of the public, Dr D Dutta, Scientist, RFRI, Manoranjan Bharali, Vice-Principal, Kakojan Boys� HS School and Prasanta Kumar Goswami, Head Master, Cheniamguri High School emphasized on the significance of plantation of trees and environmental protection.
In the function, Pragya Priya Borah, daughter of Dilip Chandra Borah and Janmoni Borah of adjoining Sotai Bhakat Gaon, who secured 7th rank in Higher Secondary Examination (Science) conducted by Assam Higher Secondary Education Council this year was felicitated. Tasa presented her a phulam gamusa, a citation, sofura and other gifts.
RK Kalita, Head, Extension Division of RFRI offered the vote of thanks.
Our Correspondent from Kaziranga adds: As a part of the 69th Van Mahotsav, a plantation drive programme was carried out today in Kaziranga by Bokakhat subdivisional administration in which saplings were planted at Kaziranga National Park High School premises in presence of school children, teachers and officials of Bokakhat civil administration.
Earlier today, the SDO (Civil), Bokakhat, Vivek Shyam had a discussion with the representatives of Kohora Bazar and urged them to avoid use of plastic made materials including polythene bags, plastic glass etc. Officials of the administration also seized the plastic glasses and other materials from local shops.
Meanwhile, Bokakhat civil administration had put up a tall barrier at the adjacent point of Kohora river bridge to prevent throwing of wastes or used materials on the river side. It is worth mentioning here that the river side area near Kohora bridge had been remained a dumping ground as some anti-social people used to throw their kitchen wastes and used materials on it causing water as well as air pollution.
