Letters to the EDITOR: ‘Padma Pukhuri’ in Darrang: A safe haven for endangered turtles

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‘Padma Pukhuri’ in Darrang: A safe haven for endangered turtles

I am writing to commend the significant efforts being made by the Shri Shri Padmathan Devalaya Managing Committee for turtle conservation at the historic 'Padma Pukhuri' in Padmajhar village under Patharighat Revenue Circle in the Darrang district. This temple pond, excavated around the 13th century, has now evolved into a vital habitat for approximately two thousand turtles of various species. The Devalaya Managing Committee has successfully transformed the pond, spanning an area of about eight bighas, into a safe haven for turtles. Furthermore, the Padmathan Devalaya, a religious tourism spot approximately 200 years old, has recently enhanced its appeal with the installation of a 29-foot 8-inch statue of Lord Rama, drawing numerous devotees. Beyond its religious activities, the Devalaya has strived to implement the turtle conservation scheme, initially launched in 2013 by the then Darrang Deputy Commissioner Sohrab Ali. The scheme was financially supported by Hemanta Deka, a member of the Darrang Zila Parisad. Subsequently, the Devalaya Managing Committee has strengthened the foundation of the turtle conservation scheme through diverse financial sources.

The Devalaya Managing Committee has undertaken some key measures that include constructing a concrete boundary wall around the pond to protect the habitat of turtles, raising community awareness, and facilitating the rescue of turtles during floods and other times and the release of the rescued ones into the temple pond.

I urge the authorities concerned and NGOs working for the cause of wildlife protection to provide necessary support and encourage scientific approaches for the continued conservation of turtles in this historic pond.

Dheeraj Deka,

Dighirpar, Darrang

‘Aatmanirbhar’ Assam

While the government is promoting the concept of 'Aatmanirbhar' so that the country becomes self-reliant, why the Assamese youth have failed to tap on the potential of surplus production of mustard seeds and invest in a business enterprise is beyond one's thought, as the fast-changing dining culture is raising demand for kitchen essentials, including edible oil as a cooking medium. In the July 30 thought-provoking editorial, 'The mindset barrier to Assam self-reliance,' you have rightly said unless and until our farmers expand the area under mustard cultivation, recognising the additional good returns on their investment, the Minimum Support Price (MSP), which includes an additional amount from the exchequer over the MSP fixed by the Central Government, alone cannot motivate them to boost its production. The farmers, especially youth, need to think practically about how to transform the agriculture sector from subsistence farming to profitable business enterprise at a time when a favourable ecosystem such as digital technology, online marketing, and access to e-commerce businesses is spreading to every nook and corner to ensure a supply chain from the farm to the retail outlets, which will not only boost the household income of the farm families but also create many livelihoods and employment opportunities. We need to encourage our business teachers to receive extensive on-the-spot training at corporates, where they will get to know the difference between theory and practical to gain efficiency and profitability in different business functions and to handle people dynamics at work. This will not only enable them to instill a belief in the minds of the youth and prepare them to become leaders and entrepreneurs but also help them overcome mindset barriers on the path to self-reliant Assam. Time has come to change our way of thinking and persistent inertia if we really want to make the best use of fertile soil and an abundance of water resources to reduce our dependence on external supplies of edible oil. The role of young parents and teachers in changing the mindset of Assamese youth cannot be overstated.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

 Celebrating Web Day

World Wide Web Day is observed on the 1st of August to remember the birth of the WWW and to lay special emphasis on how it really changed society. It is a day to think of the web as a link for individuals, as a facilitator for innovation, and as an advocate for a better digital future—one that everybody can access, one that is secure, and one that is inclusive. The theme this year brings to the fore how we see the web as a tool set to empower universally. It is an imperative to bridge digital divides, prioritise web accessibility, uphold internet freedom, and witness privacy.

Jubel D'Cruz,

(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)