Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday was marked in Assam on Thursday with tree plantation and other service-orientated activities. Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah called for collective efforts to protect the environment and the rich biodiversity of the Garbhanga Reserve Forest during the events.
The Minister attended the foundation-laying ceremony of the Janmadin Seuj Shapat Udyan for Jalukbari LAC at Lokhra Kona in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest. Baruah stated that the activities were undertaken in the spirit of service associated with the Prime Minister's birthday.
The Forest Department took the initiative to establish a Birthday Green Pledge Garden in every Assembly constituency where people can plant saplings on their birthdays.
Baruah highlighted the ecological significance of the Garbhanga Reserve Forest, which is home to more than 270 species of butterflies. He stressed the urgent need to protect its natural habitat from destruction.
The Minister also noted the centenary significance of the forest, which was established on September 15, 1926. The Forest Department will work with local residents on boundary demarcation for the protection of this century-old reserve.
A special brochure titled A Flutter through the Greens: Butterflies of Garbhanga Reserve Forest was released during the programme.
Published jointly by the Kamrup East Forest Division and Aaranyak, the brochure documents 125 butterfly species recorded in the forest to promote conservation awareness.
