HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Dec 16: Padma Shri awardee Jadav Payeng has been appointed as the Global Ambassador of Asia’s first protected bird nesting site in Majuli, known as Charaichong. The local NGO, Majulir Xahitya, is working to have the area, which hosts about four large lakes and attracts numerous migratory birds in winter, officially declared a bird sanctuary by the government.
Kamal Dutta, president of Majulir Xahitya, explained the history of Charaichong, meaning “Birds’ Nests,” which was named by Ahom king Pratap Singha in 1633. While constructing a fort from Lahdoigarh to Majuli, the king discovered the area full of bird nests and decided to halt work to protect the nesting birds, effectively creating Asia’s first protected bird sanctuary.
Related Posts:
Dutta said Majulir Xahitya has been working since 2024 to revive the approximately 5 sq km sanctuary and seek government recognition. The district administration and the local MLA have responded positively to the proposal. Bird festivals have been held annually, with the most recent festival running from December 7 to 20, 2025.
To promote Charaichong globally, Majulir Xahitya Secretary Gobin Kumar Khaund and Dutta met Payeng at his residence in Kokilamukh, Jorhat and formally proposed his appointment as Global Ambassador. Payeng’s daughter, Munmun Payeng, also present at the ceremony, has dedicated herself to nature conservation following her father’s footsteps.
A public resolution was passed during the meeting to declare the 392-year-old bird nesting site as a sanctuary, ensuring the safety of migratory birds, developing a tourist package for Charaichong, and supporting the preservation of Majuli’s wetlands and bird sanctuaries. The delegation plans to meet Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Forest Minister to advance the initiative.
Payeng urged public cooperation to protect the birds and support efforts to officially declare Charaichong a bird sanctuary, highlighting the historic significance of the site and the vision of Ahom king Pratap Singha.
