Nature camp at Chakrashilla Wildlife Sanctuary

Our Correspondent

KOKRAJHAR, May 8: The Centre for Environment Education (CEE), a centre of excellence of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, will organize a nature camp at Jarnagra at Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary in Kokrajhar from May 11 to May 20 with support from the Forest and Tourism department of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).

Home to the Golden Langur, one of the most endangered primate species of India, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is mainly a hilly tract running north-south and having two wetlands- Dheer Beel and Diplai Beel - on either side, which are integral to the eco-system of the sanctuary. The nature camp, which is entirely free for students, will feature nature trails, trekking to Baukhungri peak, study of flora and fauna of the sanctuary, study of wetlands, environmental games, star gazing, bird and butterfly watching, adventure activities like tree climbing and rock climbing, involving the participation of 12 schools of Kokrajhar. These schools will be sending 12 students each comprising both boys and girls from Class IX to Class XII and a teacher for enrolment in the nature camp, where resource persons from CEE, local community members and wildlife enthusiasts will be conducting creative and interactive outbound sessions. Besides, educating children about ecology and the environment, the nature camp will provide an opportunity to explore experience and instil a sense of collective responsibility towards critically endangered habitats and resources.

Talking to this correspondent, Pradeep Boro, Programme Officer of Sundarvan Camp Programme, CEE, highlighted the need of extended nature education programmes where dynamic engagement of students in field and classroom sessions through team work, games and activities would make them more responsive towards environmental issues.