Assam: Borbadulis of Bordihingia remain neglected by tourism department

A CORRESPONDENT

BOKAKHAT: In Bordihingia village of Bokakhat sub-division’s Kamargaon, there is a historic bamboo grove. About 20 bighas of land belonging to private individuals have now turned into a tourist spot. This grove is home to rare species of various trees, chirping birds, wild animals, and thousands of Borbadulis (large fruit bats). No one causes harm to these bats. During the day, the bats rest in the grove, and when night falls, they fly out into the countryside in search of food. By morning, they return to roost in the grove again. The residents of Kamargaon-Bordihingia, near Numaligarh, have been witnessing this scene for over 150 years.

Year after year, these bats have taken shelter in this grove and continued to breed. Yet, no one disturbs the bat colonies. Not even the trees in the grove are cut down. The place has maintained a scenic and tranquil environment. Tourists have been arriving to see Borbaduli, but it has still not been developed as a proper tourist spot. The forest department has only put up cautionary banners, but taken no further steps. Scientific information about the bats has also not been displayed in the grove.

Bats are divided into two suborders – Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera. The fruit-eating bats belong to the suborder Megachiroptera, while the insect-eating bats belong to the suborder Microchiroptera. However, some bats eat both fruits and insects, and some feed on small animals or fish. According to scientists, in Assam there are 9 genera (New Records of Bats from Assam) and 7 families (Vertebrates of Assam, Assam Science and Environment Council), comprising a total of 34 species. Among them, the largest bat found in Assam is the Indian Flying Fox, whose wingspan can reach up to 1.5 meters.

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