Guwahati, 29th December: In a significant move, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) has decided to dedicate 2% of its State Owned Priority Development (SOPD) fund to drive extensive tree plantation, combat plastic pollution, and promote sustainable groundwater management. The unanimous resolution was passed during a one-day session of the BTC’s legislative council in Kokrajhar, as stated in an official release.
The adopted resolution focuses on advancing the Green Bodoland Mission (GBM) with a dedicated outlay from the SOPD fund over a two-year period starting from January 1, 2024. The primary objectives of the mission encompass large-scale tree plantation, reduction of plastic pollution, and sustainable groundwater management.
Presenting the GBM resolution, BTC Chief Pramod Boro underscored the importance of aligning environmental development initiatives with national and global environmental objectives. Emphasizing the significance of natural resource management in the region, recognized as a biodiversity hotspot in the Northeastern region, Boro highlighted the area’s rich ecological features, including two national parks, 41 reserve forests, and two wildlife sanctuaries. The BTC region boasts a substantial forest cover of 3,65,388.53 hectares, constituting 13.21% of Assam’s total forest area.
Boro acknowledged the multi-hazard vulnerability of Assam and stressed that Bodo areas are particularly susceptible to climate change. With a substantial portion of the population relying on subsistence agriculture, he emphasized the necessity of implementing adaptation projects on a significant scale to mitigate vulnerabilities. The GBM also envisions widespread community involvement through educational and incentive programs, according to the release.
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