Sunday is the World Environment Day and this year’s global theme “Zero tolerance for Illegal Wildlife Trade” found resonance in events observed across Assam, to mark the day.
New recruits of Assam Police joined hands to learn about nature, to care for the environment and environmental issues through an awareness event organised by Aaranyak in collaboration with Assam chapter of Institutions of Engineers and 4th APBN authorities in Guwahati.A big number of recruits under training at 4th APBN along with officers of 4t APBN attended a plantation programme at 4th APBN campus followed by a meeting on this year's World Environment Day's global theme "Fight Against Illegal Trade in Wildlife".
Partha Sarathi Mahanta, commandant of 4th APBN led the attendees in taking a Green Oath’ to protect the environment. Purnima Devi Barman, who recently was awarded the prestigious 'India Biodiversity Award 2016', by UNDP played an active role. Mr. P. Adhikari of Institution of Engineers, Assam Chapter encouraged the recruits to do their part to ensure wildlife protection.Dr.Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General and CEO of Aaranyak in his speech stressed on the need to curb growing trend of wildlife poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Assam and other states of North East India. He added that,“It is the duty of all Indian citizens to come forward and help save wildlife and check wildlife crime. Wildlife crime should not be taken lightly as there are increasing examples of how increase in illegal wildlife trade could pose threats to national security.”
In addition to Guwahati, World Environment Day was also observed inother parts of Assam including areas around Kaziranga and Manas National Park.Almost 400 students from fringe villages around Kaziranga National Parktook part in drawing and quiz competitions arranged by Aaranyak in collaboration with local Police and Range office authorities. These events held at Bokakhat, Kohora and Burhapahar in Kaziranga, also included tree plantations where people from all communities took an active part. School students from fringe villages of Manas National Park observed World Environment Day through drawing and quiz competitions while the women of Bhuyanpara planted saplings and attended an awareness meet by Aaranyak in collaboration with MEWS and Gypsy Safari Association. Students from different schools of the fringe area were taken to MNP for an orientation tour. AlolikaSinha, Aaranyak interacted with the students, describing conservation value of Manas.
In Tinsukia district, DigboiCollege and Aaranyak joined hands to organise a panel discussion on “Zero tolerance for Illegal Wildlife Trade”, which was attended by different law enforcement groups. Quiz and art competitions were also held among school and college students in Tinsukia district.
Add new comment