The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) yesterday organised a tree plantation programme at Madan Mukhlot under Sutnga Elaka.
Art and Culture Secretary Mehi Rymbai, among others, planted trees at the property owned by Self Daniel Lyngdoh, who is also a well-known fish farmer and agriculturist.
Rymbai recalled that the land had previously been an active coal mine field that had faced deforestation and turned barren.
He said after the ban on rat hole mining passed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Lyngdoh took steps to restore the greenery of the 36 hectare plot of land, which is a great inspiration for others and a livelihood to many. Places that were dug for coal mining have now been converted into fish ponds.
He urged the state government to also turn its eye to the farmers of East Jaiñtia Hills with various schemes.
