A cabinet level meeting of the Government of Assam has taken a landmark decision. For every tree cut for development purposes outside forest areas, the state government will plant 10 trees in a different area.
Guwahati used to be lush green city with age old trees growing at different parts of the city. But as the population increased slowly and gradually, these trees needed to be cut for different needs. Initially it started as a safety and precautionary measure against branches falling during storms. Then it became necessary for construction of new building and amenities in the city. This was followed by the expansion of roads and construction of new flyovers in the recent few years.
Not only the capital city of Guwahati, this deforestation can be said about the whole state and Northeast India as a whole. Recent studies show that this region is leading the country in terms of loss of forest cover. And many citizens as well as civic bodies have protested about this over time.
After so much loss the Government has finally taken this radical step towards conservation of nature, or rather controlling any further damage to the ecology. And this step to pant 10 trees has been applauded in many circles, both within and outside the state. The concerned Divisional Forest Officer (Territorial) will take the necessary steps to implement this decision.
