A CORRESPONDENT
BOKAKHAT: The 17th Summer Residential Nature Camp commenced on Thursday at Kaziranga. First started in 2007, this nature camp has now entered its 17th year. Earlier, in February, the first event of the 17th edition of the camp was held at Biswanath Chariali. Now, the second part of the 17th Summer Residential Nature Camp began at Kaziranga.
This three-day residential nature camp is being held at Wildgrass Resort, Kaziranga, and will conclude on July 12. The camp is being organized by the authorities of the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, with special support from the Assam Science, Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC). A total of 42 students from various forest divisions, including Kaziranga, Karbi Anglong, Nagaon, and Biswanath, are participating in this event. The students, selected through a specific process, are currently studying in Classes 8, 9, and 10.
Various local non-governmental nature organizations working in Kaziranga extended their cooperation to this annual camp. At Thursday’s inaugural event held at Wildgrass Resort, several dignitaries were present including Utpal Bora, retired Principal, Chief Conservator of Forests and founder of the nature camp, Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga, Dr Abdul Wakid, Rhino specialist from Aaranyak, Bubul Baruah, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Uttam Saikia, environmentalist and Secretary of Bokakhat Press Club, Pradeep Goswami, retired forest officer, as well as representatives from various organizations and college students.
The event, coordinated by Geetanjali Kalita from the Kaziranga Field Director’s office and environmentalist Uttam Saikia, was inaugurated with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Utpal Bora and Dr Sonali Ghosh. In his speech, Utpal Bora highlighted the 16-year-old history of the Kaziranga Nature Camp and spoke about the key individuals behind its establishment and growth.
As part of the inauguration, each participating student was introduced and presented with an educational gift pack. Before the event, a medical check-up was conducted for all participants by senior doctors Dr Jayanta Borgohain and Dr Komal Solanki, along with their team from Kohora Health Centre.
Following the inauguration, the camp’s first session began, where Assistant Conservator of Forests Bubul Baruah and environmentalist Uttam Saikia elaborated on the Kaziranga National Park. Later sessions included Dr Niraj Kakoti from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) explaining the importance of nature conservation, DFO of Upper Assam Wildlife Division Arun Bighnesh and Abhijit Gogoi, owner of ‘Aghon’ homestay, speaking about bird watching and preparations for upcoming hill treks. On July 11, students were set to participate in a mountain hiking expedition and attend a special event at Kohora.
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