Unusual celebration of World Environment Day near India-Bhutan villages

Unusual celebration of World Environment Day by villagers and students near Indo-Bhutan international border at Swapangaon near Bhairabkunda on June 5 has been appreciated by nature lovers.Far away from the hue and cry of the towns, nearly three hundred students,teachers,members of JFMC (Joint Forest Management Committee) and villagers planted at least five hundred khoir,gomari and titachapa saplings on the bank of Dhansiri river.They also walked through the picturesque new forests for two hours.The programme was organised jointly by Dhansiri Forest Division and six JFMCs.A colourful procession by students ,villagers,officials and media persons marked the begining of the programme at 10 am.It was flagged off by Mihir Kumar Barua, ADC, Udalguri and guided by Bankim Sarma,DFO,Dhansiri Division.

An awareness meeting was held at the plantation site which was presided over by Mihir Kumar Barua,ADC,Udalguri.Bankim Sarma,DFO Dhansiri Forest Division in his welcome speech explained the significance of the World Environment Day.On the occasion he said that the year 2011 had been declared as the International Year of Forestry by UNO.Interacting with the students he explained about the damages posed by pollution and deforestation.MP Sarma, PD,DRDA, Udalguri attended the programme as the guest of honour.He specially focussed on global warming and its impact on people.Jayanta Kumar Das,District Coordinator NCSC requested students to be a part of the conservation activities and saying that what elders could not do the students would do to save this planet.Col.Sunil Upadhaya, Commanding Officer,315 Field Regiment,(KARGIL); Esmail Daimari, JFMC,Bhairabkunda; Tecnath Upadhaya, AT,Rajib Gandhi HS, Swapangaon;Fagun Daimari, AT,Sonaigaon HS also spoke a few words on the occasion.Naba Kumar Bordoloi Range Officer offered vote of thanks at the end.

It is worth mentioning that Dhansiri forest Division,Udalguri in association with all the seven  JFMC namely -Sonaigaon, Bhairabkunda,Swapangaon,1 No Mazargaon,2 No Mazargaon Goroimari  and Mazbat have converted a plot of barren lands measuring 2240 hectre in to a new picturesque forest by planting khoir,gomari,simul,shisum etc near Dhansiri river,very close to Bhutan and Arunachal.Conservation activists hoped that the place would draw the attention of tourists all over the world,if government developed infrastructure of the area.