BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 25th July 2025: In a bid to restore the ecological integrity and spiritual charm of the Unakoti Hilltop, a large-scale plantation drive was carried out today under the joint initiative of Go Green Volunteers, Unakoti Forest Division and the Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMC) of Chinibagan and Deoracherra ADC village.
The drive saw the planting of nearly 100 fruit-bearing saplings, including Banyan trees, on encroached forest land, with active participation from local residents. The symbolic inauguration was led by District Forest Officer K.G. Roy, Additional District Magistrate and Collector Argya Saha, and Kailashahar SDM Bipul Das, who each planted a sapling.
In his welcome speech, Go Green Volunteer Mrinal Kanti Sinha highlighted the need to restore Unakoti’s biodiversity, citing its dual significance as a religious site and an archaeological treasure. “Illegal encroachment has threatened this heritage spot. Unakoti holds immense potential to emerge as a global tourist destination, which could benefit local communities economically,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the JFMC, its president pointed to the drying up of Sita Kunda due to unchecked deforestation. He called for community-driven conservation efforts and affirmed the committee’s commitment to future preservation initiatives.
ADM & Collector Argya Saha highlighted the district’s plans for eco-tourism development and called on volunteers to draft an actionable blueprint for restoring Unakoti’s natural beauty. He emphasized the spot’s cultural and environmental value as pivotal to tourism.
District Forest Officer K.G. Roy appealed to the public to refrain from encroaching forest land and warned of the adverse impacts of deforestation on the local ecology. He reiterated the Forest Department’s support for long-term restoration efforts.
The plantation drive marked a step toward reviving the landscape of Unakoti, weaving together environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
