HT Correspondent
NAGAON, Feb 3: Nagaon Wildlife Division observed World Wetlands Day 2026 on February 2 with a series of awareness and outreach programmes aimed at promoting the conservation of wetlands and recognising the role of traditional knowledge in sustaining these vital ecosystems. The programmes were organised at Saraihagi Anti-Poaching Camp and Sunchahar Tongia village, located in the fringe areas of Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary.
The day-long programme began in the morning at Saraihagi Anti-Poaching Camp with the participation of around 35 students from nearby fringe villages. An interactive orientation session titled “Wetlands and Birds of Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary” was conducted, focusing on the ecological importance of wetlands, their biodiversity values and their role in sustaining wildlife as well as local livelihoods. The session was led by the Divisional Forest Officer, Nagaon Wildlife Division, along with Neeraj Bora, Assistant Professor, Nagaon Girls’ College.
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In the afternoon, the programme continued at the Sunchahar Tongia village LP School campus. The main event featured expert talks and interactive activities aligned with the global theme of World Wetlands Day 2026, “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage.” Resource persons including Dr Kulen Chandra Das, Principal, Nagaon Girls’ College; Arif Hussain of Aaranyak; Dilowar Hussain, LBCS and Sushanta Borthakur of WWF shared insights on the importance of indigenous knowledge systems in wetland conservation and community-based management practices.
A nature quiz on wetlands and wildlife was also organised to encourage student participation and environmental learning, which was led by Arif Hussain of Aaranyak. Forest officials, including the Divisional Forest Officer, Nagaon Wildlife Division and the Range Forest Officer, Gorajan Range, addressed the gathering, emphasising the department’s commitment to wetland conservation through community participation and awareness. The programme concluded with a collective resolve to protect wetlands as natural and cultural heritage for future generations, a press note added.
Our Demow Correspondent adds: World Wetlands Day was celebrated near Panidihing Bird Sanctuary on February 2, in association with Kaziranga Wildlife Society, Panidihing Environmental Protection Committee and the Sivasagar Forest Department. The programme was organised at the Soroguwa Forest Beat Office premises with the objective of raising awareness about the importance of wetlands and environmental conservation.
On the occasion, a drawing competition on environmental themes was organised among students to encourage awareness and creativity related to nature and wetlands. An awareness meeting was also held, during which environment lovers from the Soroguwa area participated in discussions on conservation issues.
Alok Sharma, president of Kaziranga Wildlife Society, Mubina Akhtar, Working President, Karuna Sharma, Secretary and Swota Nicha Phukan, Ranger of the Sivasagar Forest Department, addressed the gathering. The speakers discussed the conservation of reservoirs, highlighting them as one of the most important components of nature and stressed the need to raise public awareness about their ecological importance and protection.
