In a bid to increase forest cover on the sides of national highways in Assam, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the environment and forest department of the Assam government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on August 19 in Guwahati.
Assam environment and forest minister Chandra Mohan Patowary was also present during the 0ccasion.
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 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, minimising carbon footprints and presenting pleasant driving experiences to the drivers on the highways are some of the prime objectives of the MoU.
Urging both signatories of the MoU to work dedicatedly to achieve the target of green highways in the state, Chandramohan Patowary hoped that the MoU would boost the efforts in this regard and increase efficiency through this partnership.
He asked the social forestry division to focus on planting native trees like Sonaru, Krishnachura and Bokul among others which would grow well in Assam’s climate and make the highways beautiful. He emphasised the need to plant fast-growing trees for making the highways greener.
Additional chief secretary of the forest department Ravi Shankar Prasad, joint advisor in the regional office NHAI, Guwahati Bikash Brahma and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
