HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 28: Aaranyak conducted an educational programme at Jawaharlal Uccha Buniyadi Vidyalaya in Naojan, Golaghat district, near the Assam-Nagaland border to sensitise the coming generation about environmental and sustainability education
Students were also encouraged to take part in this initiative as part of their education in environmental stewardship to inculcate a sense of belongingness among the younger generation towards environmental conservation for human well-being.
Given the unique geographical challenges faced by communities in the Golaghat district, located in a rain shadow area, the event also highlighted the critical role of wildlife plays in maintaining environmental balance.
Tikendrajit Gogoi, project officer at the Environment Education and Capacity Building Division of Aaranyak, elaborated on the ecological importance of snakes, advocating for their protection amid rising human-wildlife conflicts.
He also addressed the alarming issue of snakebites in remote areas where healthcare facilities are sparse, emphasising the need for scientific preventive measures for snakebite mitigation.
The impact of climate change was another focal point of the discussion. Gogoi drew attention to the devastating consequences faced by farmers in the region.
Over the past four years, the area has experienced drought-like situations due to insufficient rainfall that significantly affecting lives and livelihoods. He urged students to enhance plantation efforts and use of water resources judiciously in their locality.
“The programme, attended by 75 students and teachers, also highlighted the Wipro Earthian Sustainability initiative by Wipro Foundation. Aaranyak has been a partner organisation for this initiative in Assam since 2022,” Jayanta Kumar Pathak, Sr Manager in Aaranyak’s Environment Education and Capacity Building Division said.
“By bridging the gap between education and action, Aaranyak and the Wipro Earthian initiative are nurturing environmental stewardship and laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable future in the region. The Wipro Earthian initiative serves as a pivotal platform for young minds to understand the significance of sustainable living and environmental conservation,” Pathak added.