Forest department staff from the Majuli Forest Division in Assam participated in a one-day legal workshop aimed at strengthening their understanding of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, including its amendments up to 2022. The workshop, held on 14 December at Sri Sri Madhavdev Krishti Kendra in Khunachuk, Majuli district, was organised by the Divisional Forest Office (Territorial), Majuli, with support from Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation organisation.
Around 35 forest officials, including Rangers, Deputy Rangers, Foresters, and Forest Guards, attended the event, which focused on equipping participants with the knowledge required to enforce wildlife protection laws effectively.
The workshop provided an overview of critical legal frameworks such as the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (with amendments effective from August 2023), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (to come into effect in July 2024). Participants received training on wildlife crime investigation, covering procedures from field-level operations to filing complaint petitions in court.
Divisional Forest Officer of Majuli, Joy Ram Baruah, in his inaugural address, underscored the importance of staying updated on evolving legal frameworks. While Majuli does not have a designated wildlife division, Baruah highlighted the significance of the river island as a habitat for endemic and migratory birds and occasional stray wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros. He stressed the need for forest staff to be well-versed in wildlife protection laws to safeguard these species.
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Ajoy Kumar Das, a senior law consultant with Aaranyak and an advocate at the Gauhati High Court, conducted the sessions. His presentations covered key aspects of the Wildlife Protection Act and its practical applications, including drafting legal documents like seizure lists and arrest memos. The workshop also included guidance on handling live wild animals, particularly exotic species, within the framework of the law.
Interactive discussions during the workshop provided participants with the opportunity to address challenges encountered in the field and share effective practices. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Range Forest Officer of Garamur Range, Abhijeet Doley.
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