A CORRESPONDENT
PATHSALA: On the occasion of World Environment Day on Saturday, the students of Bajali celebrated the birthday of a banyan tree by planting trees in Jalikhata Temple.
Local residents believe that the banyan tree, which spreads over four bighas of land, has completed 209 years old. Nature lovers of the area had celebrated the 207th birthday of the tree in 2019 on World Environment Day. The people of the area had gathered in large numbers and even cut a cake weighing 60 kg on the occasion of the birthday celebration of the banyan tree. Scholars from Korea and Japan have come to see the tree and it attracts many tourists.
Ananda Khataniyar, brand ambassador of forest and environment department of Assam, said, "This is the tough time as the world is facing oxygen crisis due to COVID-19. So, we should plant more trees to increase oxygen level." Khataniyar participated in various plantation drives across Bajali district.
Nature lover, Smita Parashar, a 24-year old girl said, "Today we planted more than 50 trees across Pathsala town. During the COVID-19 pandemic, trees also provide other benefits which have always been there but are now coming into focus. Trees can help provide a stress relief life during these crazy and unusual times."