DIPHU, Dec 14: With the aim of helping grass root community in playing key role in protection of biodiversity in the river island, an ‘Interaction and Field Gears Distribution” programme was organised¹ by biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak in collaboration with Majuli District Police and Majuli Forest Division with the support of Zoo Berlin on December 11 last. This was informed by Aaranyak through a press statement issued here today.
The biodiversity stated that during the interaction with a group of members of Village Defence Party (VDP) organised in the Police Reserve of Majuli district, the SP Vivekananda Das highlighted how VDP members could help in protection of wildlife besides discharging their mandated responsibilities. The Majuli SP also lauded Aaranyak for facilitating such an initiative and hoped that more of such efforts would be undertaken in the days to come.
Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, senior scientist of Aaranyak, during his interaction with the VDP members, elaborated on the need for coexistence with the wildlife at this juncture, conflict mitigation techniques, behaviours of wild animals etc.
Bitul Chetia, Additional SP, Majuli, Dr. Deba Kumar Dutta, a Senior Manager, of Aaranyak, managers of Aaranyak Dr Alolika Sinha and Arif Hussain, a programme coordinator of Aaranyak Anjan Baruah also interacted with the VDP members on different topics.
Further during the programme, the VDP members shared the local problems and issues they face. They expressed that the discussion was fruitful and it would help them in the future.
Field gears were distributed among the VDP members in the programme so as to make them comfortable while carrying out their responsibilities towards conservation. Chargeable spotlights and raincoats were handed over to 30 VDP members in presence of all the dignitaries. Field gears were supported by Zoo Berlin.
Deputy Forest Range Officer of Majuli Bandan Duori, along with forest personnel Nripen Bhuyan and Circle Organiser (CO), VDO of Majuli were also present in the interaction programme.
Majuli River Island district of Assam is known for its rich biodiversity besides its cultural diversity. The grass root community plays a key role in protection of biodiversity in the river island that is natural home as well as winter destination of varieties of wildlife species including winged visitors and even rhinos that stray out of the core of Kaziranga National Park located across the Brahmaputra, the NGO stated.