In a unique green initiative to honor the legacy of Assam’s beloved artist Zubeen Garg, a group of youths and local residents in Teok’s Jajimukh have transformed a vast sandbank of the Brahmaputra River into a growing forest, naming it “Zubeen Seuj Chapori. Carrying slogans such as “Joy Zubeen Da, may Zubeen Da remain immortal,” “Only if trees survive, humans survive,” and “One tree, one life,” the initiative aims to preserve the memory of the iconic artist while promoting afforestation and ecological restoration in the erosion-prone Sagunpara area. The river island, shaped by the shifting course of the Brahmaputra, was once known for its abundance of Seemul (Shimolu) trees and as a habitat for rare vultures—giving the locality its name, Sagunpara. Historical accounts from local residents suggest that during the British era, ships would anchor in the area, which hosted thousands of vultures and migratory birds due to its dense tree cover.
Over time, repeated floods, riverbank erosion, deforestation, and natural degradation disrupted the ecological balance, leading to the disappearance of the trees, birds, and wildlife that once thrived there. Determined to restore this lost ecosystem, a group of youths led by Rupak Tayung initiated a plantation drive across the sandbank. The programme began with the lighting of lamps before a portrait of Zubeen Garg and the planting of a Nahor sapling, followed by the plantation of nearly 10,000 Seemul saplings. Organizers emphasized that the initiative is not merely symbolic, but a long-term effort aimed at conservation, ecological balance, and wildlife restoration. They noted that it reflects Zubeen Garg’s deep connection with nature and seeks to carry forward his environmental values for future generations.
Rupak Tayung said, “We officially named the area ‘Zubeen Seuj Chapori’ and began the plantation drive after surveying the land. This place once had numerous Seemul trees that supported vulture populations since colonial times. “He added that the trees were gradually lost due to erosion, causing the disappearance of vultures. “Our first goal is to replant Seemul trees and eventually restore it as a habitat for vultures and other wildlife,” he said. Another participant, Ranoj Pegu, highlighted the broader vision of the initiative. “We aim to bring a green revolution through this afforestation drive while also honoring Zubeen Garg. Plantation here will not only revive biodiversity but also help reduce riverbank erosion,” he said.