Assam University Launches Awareness Drive Amid Rising Poaching And Deforestation Concerns

SILCHAR: The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science initiated an awareness drive to combat rampant cases of poaching and deforestation along the campus of Assam University.

Reports suggest that some entered the eco-forest and surrounding forested areas and committed crimes like poaching with the use of makeshift guns and cutting trees illegally, including ecologically valuable Cham trees. The decline of this tree species poses a serious threat to local biodiversity.

In a recent departmental meeting, the students, researchers, and teachers raised their voices against the environmental degradation resulting from these operations. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the department stressed collaborative efforts with the support of all the concerned people, including the locals, the managers of tea estates, and the forest officials.

The awareness campaign seeks to bring these groups together to address the problem and seek viable solutions. Prof. Parthankar Choudhury, a renowned environmentalist and Dean, EM Odum School of Environment Sciences, underscored the fact that the situation has become worse, especially during the winter season. He also informed about instances of miscreants entering a research scholar's residence and threatening him.

Department head Prof. Aparajita Dey emphasized the need for government and society intervention to preserve the environment. Conservationists have formed a brigade urging the university administration and forest officials to step up vigilance and take firm action against the continuing destruction of forest land.

Students also complained of intrusions into the university boundary wall and stated they were prepared to organize a protest if the attacks continued. Senior faculty member Dr. Panna Deb organized the awareness program.

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