Guwahati, Aug. 24 -- Wildlife conservationists raised alarms over deforestation even as Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma planted a neem sapling on Sunday in Tinsukia district, Upper Assam, as part of a green initiative.

He attended a day-long programme in Margherita.

While many appreciated the gesture, wildlife conservationists urged the government to address deeper ecological threats in the region. "It is always good when a leader plants a tree, but the real challenge lies in protecting the vast forests already under threat," said noted environmental activist Ranjan Dutta.

Sarma shared the moment on social media, writing in Assamese: "Planted a neem sapling for a cooler and pollution-free society. This sapling will one day gro...