GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal advocated on the need of co-existence between human being and nature to maintain the clean and green aspect of the nature.
Speaking on the 70th celebrations of the Vana Mahotsava at the auditorium of Maniram Dewan Trade Centre at Betkuchi Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “If we want to carry forward the virtues of nature and if we really want to sustain life in the nature, it (nature) should be allowed to maintain its green character”. He also said that all creatures of the God are the contributor of bio-diversity except man who are the degrader of bio-diversity. He called upon the people in general to reverse it and contribute to maintain the serenity of the nature.
According to a press release, he also said that man will continue its sustenance if trees are allowed to thrive. He, therefore, urged upon all sections of the people to take steps to increase the green coverage. He also said that Van Mahotsava is celebrated to sensitize the humanity to contribute to the serenity of the nature and on this week people should take the pledge to increase green coverage outside the notified forest area. Emphasizing that Assam is known all over the country and outside for its natural beauty, Sonowal asked the people of the state so that Assam can continue its reputation being so close to the nature.
Sarbananda Sonowal also hailed the Forest Department for taking steps of planting 22, 50,000 saplings during the Vana Mahotsava Week from July 1 to July 7 as the asked the department to diligently pursue the exercise the take a serious look on the survival of the saplings. He also asked the department to work more dedicatedly for the survival of the saplings to contribute to the green coverage of the state. On the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal while planting saplings, distributed saplings among the school students. He also asked the school students to resolutely work for the nature and help it to maintain its serenity.
Chief Minister Sonowal synchronising with the occasion handed over appointment letters to 139 youth of the state for jobs in Forest Department and asked them to be dedicated enough to protect and promote nature. Sonowal also felicitated environmentalists Anand Khatoniar, Jadav Payeng and Chandrakanta Basumatary on the occasion.
Environment and Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya also spoke on the occasion. Additional Chief Secretary Ravi Capoor, PCCF AM Singh and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.