Orang National Park and Tiger Project (ONPTR) observes World Tiger Day

OUR CORRESPONDENT

MANGALDAI: Orang National Park and Tiger Project (ONPTR), renowned as Asia’s densest tiger habitat, marked the World Tiger Day with a series of impactful programmes. Under the leadership of Field Director and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Pradipta Barua, the day began with a cleanliness drive around the park, involving local communities and forest security personnel.

The event continued with an awareness meeting chaired by DFO Pradipta Barua in presence of Hemanta Kumar Barua, President of Mangaldai Media Circle, Shrawan Kumar Jha, President of Kharupetia Press Club, village head Sirajul Haque joined by hundreds of village leaders, and members of the Eco Dev Committees.

In his address, DFO Pradipta Barua emphasized the importance of tiger conservation, highlighting that World Tiger Day, initiated in 2010, aimed to raise awareness about protecting the Royal Bengal Tiger. He noted that in 2010, representatives from 13 tiger-range countries met in St. Petersburg, pledging to double tiger conservation areas by 2022—a goal India achieved ahead of schedule. Barua stressed that tigers are vital to the ecosystem and urged the public to report tiger sightings calmly to the forest department, rather than spreading panic or rumours. He recalled an incident in November 2024, when two tigers strayed from the park, sparking widespread rumours that hindered rescue efforts and led to a villager’s tragic death in a tiger attack. DFO Barua highly appreciated the role of Darrang media for their support during this crisis.

Journalist Hemanta Kumar Barua shared his reflection on the November 2024 incident, describing how rumours exaggerated the situation, causing confusion and delaying rescue operations, which sometimes resulted in loss of life and property.

In recognition of their exemplary efforts in tiger conservation and safe return of strayed tigers to the park, 23 individuals, including journalist Shrawan Kumar Jha, selected village heads, forest and wildlife protection committee officials, and forest security personnel, were honoured with ‘Special Appreciation Letters.’ Jha was specifically lauded for his bold role in assisting the forest department.

The event concluded with the distribution of saplings to all attendees, symbolizing a commitment to environmental conservation. Officiating Forest Range Officer Pranjit Deka, with support from other forest protection officers, successfully coordinated the programme.

Also Read: Manas National Park & Tiger Reserve Opens for Ecotourism Season Amid Cleanliness Drive Ahead of World Tourism Day

Also Watch: