Pollution around Pobitora
With the picnic season round the corner, picnic revellers start gathering near Chanaka Hills adjacent to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Revellers indulge in unlawful activities like late-night parties, using high-intensity lights and loud sound systems, and bursting crackers, coupled with leaving plastic waste in and around multiple temporary huts and tents in the sandbars, are not only causing serious environmental problems but also have a detrimental effect on the wildlife, leaving environmentalists and foresters deeply worried. What is worse is the erection of fences by resort owners, restricting free movement of animals. The foothills of the Rajamayong Reserve Forest are rich in ecotone species in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Apart from migratory birds, the area is home to different endangered species like the oriental pied hornbill, monitor lizard, leopard, fishing cat, golden jackal, Gangetic river dolphin, sambar deer, etc. Several species also rely on sound for communication, navigation, and hunting. Loud noises have been causing serious stress to the animals while drowning out these essential sounds, leading to difficulty in finding food, avoiding predators, and attracting mates, resulting in interference with the breeding rituals of animals. Unless the Morigaon district administration, in collaboration with the Pobitora Range officer, acts tough and imposes strict restrictions banning gathering after five in the evenings, especially during this festive season, the incidents of man-animal conflict around the sanctuary will have a toll on human lives while affecting long-term changes in wildlife behaviour, population distribution, and even future survival of the species. Preventing animals from getting accustomed to human activity helps them in maintaining their natural fear of humans, which is of utmost necessity to reduce conflict between man and animal.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati
Tezpur litfest 2024
"Education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world," is a famous line by Nelson Mandela.
Literature is very important because it helps us to gain knowledge of both internal as well as external affairs of the whole universe. Due to the development of AI at present times, the habit of reading books has decreased. Readymade answers are now available due to AI, and the brains of students have become dull. The Tezpur Litfest 2024 was held from December 24 to 26 at NERIWALM Tezpur. In the Litfest, we came to know many things about research, cinematography, and various other fields. Litfests are very helpful for young generations, as these help them gain more knowledge in their own respective interesting fields. The inaugural session was attended by various dignitaries like the GoC of Eastern Command, retired Lt. General Rana Pratap Kalita; DC of Sonitpur district Ankur Bharali; and various others. Durjoy Datta and Col. Kaushal Kashyap also graced the occasion on December 25, and their sessions were really very much interesting. The closing ceremony was graced by famous Assamese actor Kopil Borah on December 26. The whole experience at the Litfest was very amazing as well as interesting as we came to know various new things and experiences, and it helped a lot to increase our own ideas and talents.
Manish Kashyap
Tripura University
Proactive measures to uplift the Assamese language
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the significant suggestions made by former Axam Xahitya Xabha (AXX) president Dr. Kuladhar Saikia to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. His call for a separate Unicode slot for Assamese scripts and other central benefits is a timely reminder of the crucial steps needed to honour the recognition of Assamese as a classical language. The inclusion of Assamese in the classical language category is a matter of pride for Assam. However, to truly reap the benefits of this prestigious status, it is imperative for the government to act swiftly. The creation of an independent Unicode slot for Assamese scripts would not only safeguard the digital representation of the language but also ensure its global accessibility.
Dr. Saikia’s emphasis on aligning the Assamese language with economic opportunities is equally noteworthy. By integrating Assamese into the economic sector, employment prospects for local youth can be significantly enhanced. Encouraging the use of Assamese as the official language in government and private establishments would further strengthen its relevance in modern times. Additionally, the translation and publication of ancient Assamese literature into English and other languages would serve to introduce the richness of our heritage to a wider audience. It is also heartening to note the collective efforts of stalwarts and well-wishers in achieving the classical language status. Now, it is time for the government to take proactive measures to further develop and promote the language. Assamese has stood as a symbol of identity and cultural pride for generations, and it deserves every effort to secure its future in the global arena. I urge the authorities to prioritize these suggestions and ensure that Assamese continues to flourish in both traditional and modern domains.
Mowsam Hazarika
Kumarpara, Guwahati.
Retaliation by tigers
News reports show that the stone-throwing attacks on tigers in and around Kaliabor by locals preceded the recent attacks by tigers on them by a month. It appears that the tigers are now retaliating for the attacks made on them. After unnecessarily provoking the tigers by stoning them so brutally that some tigers have got seriously injured, the locals cannot now complain that the tigers are attacking them. They seem to have brought it upon themselves.
S.Kamani, Mumbai
(srkamani@yahoo.com)