Guwahati: In an effort to foster environmental awareness and sustainability, Aaranyak conducted an educational programme at Jawaharlal Uccha Buniyadi Vidyalaya in Naojan, Golaghat district, located near the Assam-Nagaland border.
The initiative aimed to sensitise students about critical issues like climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and snakebite management.
The event encouraged students to actively participate in environmental education and develop a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation.
Aaranyak emphasised the importance of nurturing the younger generation’s connection with nature, stressing the significance of environmental stewardship for the well-being of both humans and wildlife.
Given the unique challenges faced by communities in the Golaghat district, which is situated in a rain shadow area, the programme underscored the vital role wildlife plays in maintaining ecological balance.
Tikendrajit Gogoi, Project Officer at Aaranyak’s Environment Education and Capacity Building Division, spoke to the students about the ecological importance of snakes and the growing issue of human-wildlife conflict.
He highlighted the need to protect snakes and manage their interactions with humans, particularly as such conflicts have been rising in the region.
Gogoi also addressed the critical issue of snakebites, which have become a significant concern in remote areas where healthcare facilities are limited.
He stressed the importance of scientific measures for snakebite prevention and mitigation.
The programme also focused on the impacts of climate change, with Gogoi drawing attention to the difficulties faced by local farmers.
Over the past four years, the district has experienced drought-like conditions due to insufficient rainfall, severely affecting agriculture and local livelihoods.
He urged students to promote tree plantation efforts and encourage the judicious use of water resources in their communities.
The event was attended by 75 students and teachers and was part of the larger Wipro Earthian Sustainability initiative, a platform aimed at promoting sustainable living and environmental conservation.
Aaranyak has been a partner organization for this initiative in Assam since 2022.
Jayanta Kumar Pathak, Senior Manager at Aaranyak’s Environment Education and Capacity Building Division, spoke about the importance of bridging education with practical action.
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“Aaranyak and the Wipro Earthian initiative are working together to foster environmental stewardship and lay the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable future in the region,” he said.
“Through this initiative, we are helping young minds understand the importance of sustainability and the need to protect our environment.”
With this programme, Aaranyak continues its mission to build a stronger connection between students and environmental conservation, laying the foundation for a sustainable future in Assam.
