Assam – Sonowal Launches Books as State Advances Green and Aviation Plans
Assam – Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently released two new books by noted Assamese writer Arup Kumar Dutta during a literary programme, while the Assam government announced major initiatives in environmental action and aviation infrastructure.
Books examine tea garden history and regional conflict
The two titles launched were Leaves No Longer Green, published by HarperCollins India, and The Beg, brought out by Assam Book Hive. Speaking at the event, Sonowal said Leaves No Longer Green presents a historical account of the difficult conditions faced by workers in Assam’s tea plantations during the 1860s.
He said the novel looks beyond the region’s well-known tea estates to document the hardships experienced by labourers who were brought to plantations after being offered misleading assurances. According to Sonowal, the story addresses exploitation, bonded labour and the suffering of thousands of workers during that period.
Discussing The Beg, the Union Minister said the book examines insurgency in the Northeast through a balanced and objective narrative. He noted that literature can help readers understand complex social and historical developments in the region.
One crore saplings planned under Amrit Brikshya Andolan
Assam is also preparing for a large-scale tree plantation campaign under the Amrit Brikshya Andolan. The programme is scheduled to run from August 10 to August 14, with the state targeting the plantation of one crore saplings.
The campaign is expected to involve 10 lakh students across Assam. Each participant will be encouraged to plant 10 saplings, making young people central to the state’s environmental initiative.
Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said students taking part in the programme will receive Briksha Bandhu certificates in recognition of their contribution. The certificates are intended to encourage continued participation in conservation activities and build awareness about the importance of trees.
The government has also outlined measures aimed at improving the survival rate of the saplings after plantation. Baruah said job card holders under the VB-G-RAM-G programme will receive incentives for supporting the care and maintenance of the planted trees. The approach is designed to ensure that the campaign produces long-term environmental benefits rather than remaining a short-term plantation exercise.
State reviews plans for aviation and logistics expansion
In a separate development, the Assam government is working to accelerate several aviation infrastructure projects across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently met Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu to review plans intended to strengthen Assam’s role in the Northeast’s transport and logistics network.
Sarma said the discussion focused on the shared objective of developing Assam as an important aviation and logistics centre for the region. The meeting examined progress on six proposed greenfield airports at Silchar, Manas, Umrangso, Majuli, Diphu and Charaideo.
The proposed heliport at Haflong was also reviewed during the meeting. Such projects are expected to improve connectivity in areas where road access can be difficult and may support tourism, trade, emergency services and regional travel.
According to the Chief Minister, much of the preliminary work for the proposed greenfield airport in Silchar has already been completed. The state government is now seeking faster movement on the next stages of the project.
The announcements reflect Assam’s focus on cultural engagement, environmental participation and improved infrastructure. While the literary event highlighted stories rooted in the state’s past and regional realities, the plantation campaign and airport proposals point to broader plans for sustainable development and stronger connectivity.