Guwahati: In a unique green initiative to honour the legacy of Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg, a group of youths and local residents in Teok’s Jajimukh have transformed a vast sandbank of the Brahmaputra into a growing forest, naming it “Zubeen Seuj Chapori”.
The initiative, centred in the erosion-prone Sagunpara area, seeks to preserve the memory of the artist while promoting afforestation and ecological restoration. Organisers said the effort reflects a broader commitment to conservation and environmental awareness.
The sandbank, formed by the shifting course of the Brahmaputra, was once known for its abundance of Seemul (Shimolu) trees and as a habitat for vultures and migratory birds. Residents said the area had a rich ecological past, with large bird populations supported by dense vegetation, but over time, floods, erosion and deforestation led to the loss of trees and wildlife.
To restore the landscape, a group of youths led by Rupak Tayung initiated a plantation drive across the sandbank. The programme began with ceremonial lamp lighting before a portrait of Zubeen Garg and the planting of a Nahor sapling, followed by the planting of nearly 10,000 Seemul saplings.
Tayung said the idea took shape after he surveyed the area and reflected on its ecological decline from a once tree-rich habitat that supported avian life. The initiative focuses on replanting Seemul trees to gradually recreate a suitable habitat for vultures and other species, while encouraging community participation in conservation.
Participants said the project is not limited to symbolic tribute but represents a long-term effort to restore ecological balance and address local challenges such as riverbank erosion. They added that it seeks to carry forward the environmental values associated with Zubeen Garg.
Organisers said the plantation drive will continue with plans to turn the sandbank into a sustainable habitat for wildlife while boosting awareness on conservation.