Greener Skies: LGI Airport’s World Environment Day Plantation Drive Takes Off

On June 5, the bustling corridors of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGI) took a brief pause from the usual hustle of flights and luggage to celebrate something a little quieter – the planet. The airport’s staff, together with volunteers from local NGOs and a handful of enthusiastic community members, gathered near the cargo complex for a plantation drive that was part of the global World Environment Day observance.

It wasn’t a massive, perfectly‑choreographed affair – there were a few misplaced shovels, a laugh here and there when someone tried to plant a sapling upside‑down – but that only added to the charm. Over 300 saplings, ranging from native Teak and Assam Oak to fast‑growing Eucalyptus, were carefully placed in pre‑dug pits that had been marked out the week before. By the end of the day, the green strip near the runway looked like a hopeful line of future shade.

“We wanted to show that even an airport, a place associated with noise and fumes, can contribute to a greener tomorrow,” said Mr. Anupam Saikia, the airport’s Director of Operations. He added that the drive is part of LGI’s broader sustainability roadmap, which includes solar‑powered terminals, rain‑water harvesting and a plan to become carbon‑neutral by 2035.

Local environmental group ‘Green Assam’ coordinated the selection of sapling species, ensuring they were suited to the region’s climate and soil. “Choosing native trees means higher survival rates and better support for local biodiversity,” explained Ms. Ritu Das, the group’s coordinator. Volunteers were given brief instructions, then let their own rhythm take over – some dug with gusto, others carefully covered the roots, and a few stopped to snap pictures for social media.

The drive also doubled as an awareness session. Portable boards displayed facts about air quality, the impact of deforestation, and simple steps passengers could take, like using reusable water bottles. A few passengers, curious about the commotion, stopped to chat, and one even offered to adopt a sapling, promising to check on its growth in a few months.

While the event wrapped up before the evening rush, the newly planted trees will stay, gradually turning the airport’s outskirts into a small but meaningful green belt. Officials hope this will not only improve air quality but also serve as a visual reminder that sustainability starts with small, collective actions.

Looking ahead, LGI plans to host similar drives each year, gradually expanding the green cover and involving more stakeholders – from airline crews to frequent flyers. As the airport continues to grow as the gateway to Northeast India, the hope is that every take‑off will be accompanied by a whisper of leaves rustling in the breeze.