HT Bureau
Guwahati, July 7: Aaranyak, one of India’s leading biodiversity conservation organisations, has extended its support to the Dima Hasao Forest department by providing raincoats, Garmin GPS devices, and solar-powered ranger torch lights. The equipment is aimed at promoting the well-being of the frontline forest staff whose dedicated efforts have been instrumental in biodiversity conservation.
In a ceremony held at the conference hall of the chief executive member’s (CEM) office in Haflong, the chief executive member of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, Debolal Gorlosa, officially handed over the equipment to Muanthang Thungung, chief conservator of Forests, Dima Hasao. The event was attended by Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, secretary general cum CEO of Aaranyak, along with several executive members (EMs), members of autonomous councils (MACs), and government officials.
Aaranyak has provided 250 raincoats, 10 ranger’s torch lights, and 2 global positioning systems (GPS) to the forest department of the council to support their conservation and protection activities. The equipment will enhance the capabilities of the frontline forest staff in their crucial work.
During the event, CEM Gorlosa discussed various issues related to forest and wildlife conservation in the district. He expressed his support for Aaranyak’s studies and capacity-building activities in Dima Hasao, aiming for the long-term conservation of natural resources in the district. Gorlosa also highlighted the efforts of the council in securing forests and wildlife.
Tuhin Langthasa, divisional forest officer (DFO) East, and Tunu Langthasa, DFO West, were also present at the meeting, along with Dr Jayanta Kumar Sarma, Dr Firoz Ahmed, and Dr Dipankar Lahkar from Aaranyak.
In addition to the equipment support, Aaranyak, as a research-driven conservation non-profit, presented several photographs of key wild animals recently captured in various parts of Dima Hasao district to CEM Gorlosa.
Aaranyak has been actively working in Dima Hasao district, as well as Karbi Anglong and Jaintia Hills, to study the utilisation of natural resources and the status of forest conservation, including wildlife. The organisation is conducting this study with support from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The research will contribute to understanding the conservation status of forests and the dependence of local communities on natural resources. It will also assist in future conservation planning and identifying livelihood opportunities for indigenous communities in the district.
Aaranyak has been closely collaborating with three autonomous councils in Assam, namely, Bodoland, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao Autonomous Councils, to support their efforts in forest and biodiversity conservation while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for local communities dependent on forest resources.
