Assam: Boundary wall sanctioned for protection of endangered vulture species in BTAD

In order to protect the habitat area for endangered vulture species in Parbatjhora Suparighat near Mahamaya area, which is part of Kokrajhar district and borders Dhubri district, the Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) officially began off the construction of a boundary wall on October 30.

Ranjit Basumatary, BTC, executive member (forest and revenue), inaugurated the work worth about rupees 1.5 crore to conserve and protect the shelter area and roosting trees of endangered White rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis) and Himalayan Griffon (Gyps himalayensis) from illegal encroachers.

The shelter area in Mahamaya, where the White rumped vultures spend the years, is blanketed with old, luxuriant Sal trees along with other native trees, deeply woven into the intricate fabric of their ecosystems. The yearly visitor, Himalayan Griffon comes to the region for breeding during the winter months and stays for almost four to six months every year.

In light of this, Ranjit Basumatary, EM, BTC, supports the cause and has authorised funding from the Indian Ministry of Forest and Environment to construct a brick wall and chainlink border wall to preserve the unprotected region for the vultures, who plays a crucial role in the environment.

While addressing media, EM, Basumatary slammed BPF Chief stating that, Hagrama Mohilary has set up tea gardens in the name of his father-in-law by illegally encroaching 150 bighas of Reserve forest land.

However, we will not tolerate if such heinous crime being practiced by educated persons, illegally occupying the land of Reserve Forest and setting up 13 tea gardens which is a shame. Very soon eviction drive on such land will take place by the BTC government said EM, Ranjit Basumatary.

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