Guwahati: In a quiet, yet determined effort to redefine tourism through sustainability, Anup Patkai from Assam’s Charaideo district is leading a community-driven mass plantation drive in the district.The initiative focuses on planting indigenous plant species to restore the region’s natural ecology, while enhancing its appeal for visitors.Patkai believes that Charaideo, which is famous for its ancient Ahom-era moidams and rich cultural heritage, has an untapped potential as a major tourist destination. However, increasing human activity and deforestation have changed the land use patterns and have affected part of its natural aura. He claims that his initiative is a mix of ecological restoration and tourism development.“We began the plantation drive in Dec 2019, starting from Khargoria Deodhai and extending up to Kochupathar within Disangpani village. Prior to this, I conducted an awareness programme to explain how systematic planting of flowering plants could contribute to the beautification of the village. It began as a dream to see the entire district covered with indigenous plants such as Kanchan (Bauhinia), Sonaru (Cassia fistula), and Krishnasura (Royal Poinciana). This would enhance the natural beauty of the area, especially as the Charaideo Moidams are an Unesco World Heritage site. It will thereby develop tourism and support the growth of local flora and fauna,” Patkai said.Patkai added that he has planted more than three lakh saplings and personally heads out every day to ensure that they are nurtured and bloom properly. “The plantation work has already reached 45% completion, and the team is now working with renewed determination to complete the remaining target within this year,” He also said.Beginning his career as a drug inspector, Patkai says he had always longed for the dream of carrying out an initiative of this nature on his own. He has been funding the plantation drive independently. He further claims that his tenure as a drug inspector ended after he exposed the distribution of substandard NHM medicines in the state, which, in a way, gave him the independence to carry forward with his dream.
