Assam to Plant Ejar Trees Along Guwahati Corridor

Why in the News?

The Assam Government has announced the plantation of Ejar (Lagerstroemia speciosa) trees along the Jalukbari–Khanapara corridor under the Purple City Project to enhance Guwahati’s greenery, improve urban biodiversity, and beautify the city.

Key Highlights

• The Forest Department will plant Ejar (Lagerstroemia speciosa) trees along the Jalukbari–Khanapara corridor.
• The project aims to create tree-lined avenues with seasonal purple blossoms, enhancing Guwahati’s aesthetic appeal.
• The Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to paint suitable government buildings in purple wherever feasible to complement the project’s theme.
• The initiative seeks to improve urban biodiversity, increase green cover, and make Guwahati a more climate-resilient city.

About the Ejar Tree

• Ejar (Lagerstroemia speciosa), popularly known as the Pride of India, is one of the world’s most spectacular flowering trees.
• It is the State Tree of Maharashtra and is also known as the Queen Crape Myrtle.
• According to tradition, the eleventh Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment under this tree.
• It is a deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia, renowned for its vibrant purple flowers.
• It is a multi-stemmed, densely branched large shrub to small tree that grows about 4.5–6 metres tall within five years under favourable conditions.
• The tree provides shade, absorbs carbon dioxide, improves air quality, and supports pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Because of its ornamental beauty and ecological importance, it is widely planted along roads, parks, and public spaces.

Significance of the Purple City Project

• Increases urban green cover and helps reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect.
• Enhances Guwahati’s visual identity and promotes eco-tourism.
• Supports the objectives of the National Mission for a Green India.
• Complements the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
• Promotes sustainable urban development by integrating environmental conservation with city planning.

Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to the Ejar tree, consider the following statements:

1. It is the State Flower of Assam.
2. Its scientific name is Lagerstroemia speciosa.
3. It is commonly used in urban avenue plantation because of its ornamental and ecological value.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only ✅
• (c) 1, 2 and 3
• (d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

The Purple City Project aims to transform Guwahati into a greener, more beautiful, and environmentally sustainable city through the large-scale plantation of Ejar trees.