Satellite imagery (in AFP pictures above) taken 30 years apart and published by the United Nations Programme for the Environment show the destruction of the rain forest in the national park of Iguazu on the Brazilian-Paraguayan border. Similarly, satellite images will help spot denuded forest areas in the region

June 20: The afforestation project in the city has just gone hi-tech. Indian Remote Sensing satellite images will now help restore the city’s green cover.

The Assam State Remote Sensing Applications Centre, under the Assam Science Technology and Environment Council, will study the forest dynamics and spot the areas where afforestation will be possible on a massive scale.

“One simply cannot plant saplings indiscriminately without knowing the characteristics of the area. The information has to be correct so that there are no flaws in implementing the work,” said an official at the Assam State Remote Sensing Applications Centre.

To be completed in six months’ time, the study will provide valuable information on the soil type and drainage parameters, which are crucial to make any afforestation drive a success.

This is the first ever comprehensive study of changes in forest dynamics to be carried out in the city.

“The study will also help understand what varieties of plants to plant where,” the official added.

As the satellite images will provide a detailed picture of the topography of the city, the study will help development agencies plan better.

A forest official working on the Green Guwahati project said these findings would be taken into consideration while making the proposed green masterplan of the city.

“We cannot wait for long to find out the areas which are most suited for afforestation. So we planted saplings on the hillocks and in the barren areas of the city,” the official added. The afforestation project was first launched in the city to cope with the massive soil erosion in the hills, which clogs the city’s drains during rains.

Besides, the authorities were also concerned about the dwindling green cover and wildlife in the surrounding hillocks. Officials said about 2,500 hectares of reserve forests in the city have been encroached upon.

Guwahati boasts 11 reserve forests, making it one of the few towns in the world with a large wildlife concentration within the city limits.

Elephants from Amchang-Panikhaiti areas often stray into Narengi cantonment, Khanapara reserve forest, near Panjabari.