Commit to wildlife protection: CM

GUWAHATI, Oct 6: “Scores of domestic and intertiol tourists visit Assam every year for witnessing the flora and fau of our reserve forests and sanctuaries and the state’s tural beauty. Assam has always been famous for its tea and rhino is one such symbol which has added to the global identity of the state.  To keep the prestige and identity of the state intact we must protect its ecology and the rich biodiversity,” said Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal while taking part as the chief guest in the state-level programme organized by Environment and Forest Department for celebrating 63rd Banya Prani Saptah (Wild Life Week) at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in the city.

Terming the state as a biodiversity hotspot where many endangered animal species are found in their tural habitats, Sonowal urged the people to commit themselves to the cause of protecting the rich biodiversity and the tural ecosystem which is critical for its survival. Due to the wanton destruction of forests and degradation of green cover pollution has taken alarming proportions and human activities must be checked to save the ture from further damage, Sonowal cautioned.

Referring to Guruja Sankardeva’s motto of ‘Ek Brikhya Dasa Putra Sama’ (one tree equals ten Sons), Sonowal said that the Guruja coined the phrase to inspire the people to protect the environment and therefore, the young generation must come forward for taking responsibility to safeguard ture.

Informing about the government’s action to plant ten crore saplings to make Assam pollution free, Sonowal said that the action would bear no fruit if birds do not inhabit those trees which would not bring the intended tural beauty and therefore only government actions cannot make wildlife protection successful. He also spoke about the need to involve the nearby communities of forest areas for sustained success at protecting the forestry and he appreciated the setting up of Fast Track Courts by Gauhati High Court for speedy resolution of cases of wildlife violation. The Chief Minister also thanked the forest officials for performing their duties with dedication to protect wildlife in face of challenges.

Speaking in the meeting Minister for Water Resource and Science and Technology Keshab Mahanta said cases of rhino poaching have substantially decreased as opposed to the time of earlier state government and steps have been taken for constituting a joint protection mechanism with civil administration, police and forest departments of five districts covered by Kaziranga tiol Park for stopping poaching activities. The Chief Minister himself visited the Park on boat during floods and this year flood-affected animals were also provided fodder and medical treatment at the direction of the chief minister unlike previous years, Mahanta said.                       

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Bikash Brahma and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) NK Basu explained the objectives of today’s meeting where Additiol Chief Secretary of Forest KV Eappen spoke on various aspects of Wildlife Week celebrations.

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