Assam CM lays emphasis on society's role in protecting wildlife

Stating that forest department alone cannot protect the wildlife, Sonowal called upon the residents living near the forest areas to realize their role in protecting nature and urged them to foil the nefarious design of the poachers and insurgent outfits.

Speaking on the occasion of 62nd Wildlife Week organized by the State Forest Department at Pragjyoti ITA Complex, Machkhowa, the Assam CM exhorted the Assamese community to follow the teachings of Sankardeva who in the Kirtana said “Kukur Shrigal Gardabhoru Atmaram”.

Sonowal stressed on the need for a balanced man-animal relation and said that the modern society has failed to understand the importance of nature for sustenance of human civilization. 

"Like human beings animals also seek security and they will settle where they find favourable environment," Sonowal said and appealed to the people living near forest areas to refrain from sheltering poachers and extending them any help.

Expressing his deep concern over high rise of man-animal conflict, the the Assam CM commented that conducive environment within the forest must be created to ensure safe shelter for animals.

Reiterating State Government’s commitment to protect wildlife and preserve nature, Sonowal categorically stated that intensive action against poachers would continue and exemplary punishment would be given to them.

He also advocated for joint training of police and forest personnel to study topography of forests and operation against poachers and insurgents in forest areas.

The Assam CM also mentioned that eviction drive in Kaziranga was successfully carried out to protect the sanctity of the National Park and vowed to continue such eviction drive in future to make all forest areas free from encroachment.

State Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma who also spoke on the occasion said that modern life style, industrial growth and smuggling of animal parts have posed a serious threat to the existence of wildlife.

The Minister said that Government has formed a Special Force to carry out operation against poachers and intensified action has been continued.

Pramila Rani Brahma also informed the formation of Eco-Development Society involving the people living near forest areas to encourage people’s participation in safeguarding wildlife in the state.

Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, who received IUCN Heritage Hero Award for his work in preserving ecology of Manas National Park was also felicitated in the programme.

Besides, 36 police personnel, 41 forest guards and two NGOs were also felicitated for their role in safeguarding wildlife.

DGP Mukesh Sahay, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Daras Mathur, other PCCFs of Forest Department and senior officials were present in the meeting among others.

 (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)