GUWAHATI: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Environment and Forest Department, the Government of Assam, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Saturday in the presence of Minister of Environment and Forest Chandra Mohan Patowary at Janata Bhawan.
The objective of the MoU is to increase forest cover on the sides of national highways in the state by planting trees. As per the MoU, four divisions will be covered in the first phase: Bongaigaon, Nalbari, Nagaon, and Barpeta. The Social Forestry Division of the Environment and Forest Department would execute the plan of planting trees on the national highway sides and dividers and monitor the growth of the saplings as per the MoU. Increasing forest cover in the state, minimizing carbon footprints, and presenting pleasant driving experiences to the drivers on the highways are some of the prime objectives of the MoU.
Urging the two signatories of the MoU to work dedicatedly to achieve the target of green highways in the state, Forest Minister Patowary hoped that the MoU would boost efforts in this regard and increase efficiency through this partnership. He also asked the Social Forestry Division to focus on planting native trees like Sonaru, Krishnachura, Bokul, etc., which would grow well in Assam’s climate and make the highways beautiful. He emphasised the need to plant fast-growing trees to make the highways greener. Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department Ravi Shankar Prasad, Joint Advisor in Regional Office NHAI, Guwahati Bikash Brahma, and other senior officers were also present on the occasion, stated a press release.
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