Conservationist’s call to preserve storks

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Feb 26: Kamrup is the home of the largest number of Asiatic storks in the world. There are around 1,200 Asiatic storks in the world, and most of them are in Assam. Taking part in an AIR news talk show, conservationist Purnima Devi Barman appealed people not to destroy trees to preserve this endangered species. She said that the people of Dadara at Kamrup district have set an example in conservation of this species. She said the Kamrup district administration has helped a lot in the conservation of Asiatic storks at Dadara. According to her, Asiatic storks are found only in India and Cambodia. Several listeners during the show extended support to Hargila conservation. One Purnima Devi told them to create awareness on preservation. She said there are around 1200 hargilas in the world and 70 per cent of them are found in Assam. Participating in the show, jourlist Sivasish Thakur termed it one of the very few successful community conservation initiatives in Assam. He said involvement of women in large numbers is another important aspect.