Guwahati: Majuli, Assam’s River Island district, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and culture. The local community plays a crucial role in preserving the diverse ecosystem, a natural haven for wildlife, including migratory birds and rhinos from Kaziranga National Park.
During a session with members of the Village Defence Party (VDP) held in the Police Reserve of Majuli district, Superintendent of Police Vivekananda Das emphasised the crucial role that VDP members could play in wildlife protection alongside fulfilling their designated duties.
The ‘Interaction and Field Gears Distribution’ programme, conducted recently in collaboration with biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, Majuli District Police, and Majuli Forest Division with support from Zoo Berlin, aimed to empower VDP members in their dual responsibilities.
SP Majuli commended Aaranyak for spearheading this initiative and expressed optimism about more such efforts in the future.
Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, senior scientist at Aaranyak, elaborated on the necessity of coexisting with wildlife, conflict mitigation techniques, and the behaviour of wild animals during his interaction with VDP members.
Bitul Chetia, Additional SP, Majuli, Dr. Deba Kumar Dutta, a Senior Manager at Aaranyak, along with managers Dr. Alolika Sinha and Arif Hussain, and program coordinator Anjan Baruah engaged in discussions with VDP members on various topics.
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During the programme, VDP members shared local problems and issues they encounter, deeming the discussion fruitful for their future endeavours.
Field gear, crucial for their conservation duties, was distributed among VDP members, ensuring their comfort. Chargeable spotlights and raincoats were provided to 30 VDP members in the presence of dignitaries, and the field gears were supported by Zoo Berlin.
Deputy Forest Range Officer of Majuli Bandan Duori, along with forest personnel Nripen Bhuyan and Circle Organiser (CO), VDO of Majuli, were also present during the interaction programme.
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