HT Correspondent
BISWANATH CHARIALI, May 23: In a meaningful celebration of World Turtle Day, the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, in collaboration with the Nagsankar Temple Management Committee, TSA Foundation India, WWF, and Aranyak, hosted a vibrant day-long event at the guest house of the historic Nagsankar Temple.
The programme commenced with a soulful Borgeet by Jitashree Ojha Hazarika, followed by a devotional dihanaam by members of Agnigarh Natghar. The welcome address was delivered by Ritu Pawan Bora, AFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Biswanath Wildlife Division, who set the tone for the conservation-centric proceedings.
Related Posts:
Rajib Barua, secretary of the Nagsankar temple committee, and Lochan Bora, president of Agnigarh Natghar — both key figures in turtle conservation at the temple — delivered informative lectures highlighting the types and diversity of turtles sheltered at Nagsankar. The temple, known as a sanctuary for turtles, currently houses 19 distinct turtle species.
Sonali Ghosh, IFS, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, underscored the urgent need to preserve turtle habitats and acknowledged the temple’s unique role in conservation efforts. “World Turtle Day reminds us of our responsibility toward these ancient, often-overlooked creatures,” she noted.
Gracing the occasion as chief guest, Padma Hazarika, MLA of Naduar, lauded the collaborative conservation efforts and unveiled a leaflet detailing the various turtle species found at the temple. He called for collective action to protect turtles, citing the success of ongoing hatching and preservation projects in the region.
The event drew attendance from local dignitaries, wildlife enthusiasts, and students from Dakhin Nagsankar and Nagsankar High School. Participation certificates were distributed to students, recognizing their involvement and awareness.
Pallab Hazarika coordinated the programme, while Sushmita Kar, Project Coordinator of TSA Foundation India, offered the vote of thanks, marking a thoughtful close to the event.
The historic Nagsankar Temple, revered not only for its spiritual legacy but also as a natural haven for turtles, remains a symbol of community-driven conservation in Assam.
