#assam: Guwahati’s plantation drive has come under intense public scrutiny after visuals surfaced showing saplings being planted through drilled sections of concrete footpaths. The initiative, carried out by the Assam PWD, has triggered widespread debate, with many questioning the practicality and long-term sustainability of such a method. Photographs from multiple locations across the city reveal young trees confined to small pits surrounded by concrete, raising concerns about restricted root expansion, limited soil access, and inadequate water absorption. Experts and citizens alike have pointed out that such conditions may hinder healthy growth and reduce the survival rate of the saplings. While the plantation drive aims to enhance urban greenery, critics argue that improper implementation could defeat its purpose. The issue has sparked conversations online and offline, with calls for more eco-sensitive planning and scientifically sound plantation practices to ensure that the city’s green initiatives yield meaningful and lasting results. Picture courtesy: @theassamtribune_official