Jadav Payeng and others inaugurating the 17th Assam Mohotsav

The 17th Assam Mahotsav was inaugurated on Thursday by Forest Man of India Jadav Payeng at Jorhat District Sports Association Ground (JDSA).

Payeng, making a plea for pollution-free earth. said that the government should have a scheme for planting trees with little economic value so that they are not cut down.

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“The international borders with China, Myanmar and Bangladesh should especially be defined by planting such trees by both the countries so that the timber smugglers are not tempted to cut these down,” he said.

“Afforestation can be successful only if trees like ahot and the like are planted,” he reiterated.

He further appealed to incorporate the study of nature and environmental science in the school curriculum with practical application.

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“Unless one loves and respects the environment and ecosystem in which one lives, mother Earth cannot sustain life,” he said.

“If nature is destroyed then nothing else will survive,” he added.

Intandem member Prasenjit Rajkhowa said that the culture of a place signified the identity of a people.

“In this context, the Assam Mahotsav stressed to preserve the culture of the state,” he added.

Organised by Intandem, the 17th edition of the Mahotsav promises to be a mix of culture and trade.