A significant initiative to protect Assam's native plant life and promote ecological awareness among the younger generation was launched this week. The Khumtai Tree and Flower Festival 2025-26, a four-day event dedicated to environmental conservation, commenced on Tuesday at Letekubasti in Golaghat district.
Minister Inaugurates Festival with Focus on Youth and Tourism
State Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika formally inaugurated the festival, which has been organized under the initiative of Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia. During the opening ceremony, Hazarika emphasized the dual goals of the event. He stressed the critical need for collective action towards environmental protection while also highlighting the potential of rural areas as future tourist hubs.
"We must all take steps toward environmental conservation and transform our rural areas into attractive tourist destinations," Hazarika stated. He added that providing tourists with an authentic experience of Assam’s rich natural beauty would create benefits for local communities and give a boost to the state's economy.
Core Mission: Preserving Indigenous Biodiversity
The festival's primary objective is to raise awareness, particularly among the youth, about the importance of native trees and flowers. In an era of rapid environmental change, the event serves as a platform to educate the public on the value of preserving indigenous flora, which is often better adapted to local conditions and supports regional ecosystems.
The festival, set to conclude on January 2, is not just a ceremonial gathering. It is designed to be an engaging experience for all visitors. The schedule includes a variety of activities and exhibitions that allow attendees to interact with and learn about the region's botanical wealth directly.
A Model for Sustainable Development
The Khumtai Festival represents a growing trend of linking ecological preservation with sustainable economic development. By positioning rural Assam as a destination for nature-based tourism, the initiative aims to create a model where conservation efforts directly contribute to local livelihoods. This approach ensures that protecting the environment also translates into tangible social and economic rewards for the people of Assam.
The success of such festivals could pave the way for more community-driven conservation projects across the state, making environmental stewardship a part of cultural and economic progress.
