Guwahati, 19th August: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Environment and Forest Department, Government of Assam and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Sunday in 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 which is Bongaigaon, Nalbari, Nagaon and Barpeta. Social Forestry division of Environment and Forest Department would execute the plan of planting trees on the national highway sides and dividers and monitor 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 the both 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 the 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 on the need to plant fast growing trees for making the highways greener.
Additional Chief Secretary of Forest Department Ravi Shankar Prasad, Joint Advisor in Regional Office NHAI, Guwahati, Bikash Brahma and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.