GUWAHATI: Village Defence Party (VDP) members and volunteers working in and around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNP&TR) in Assam received necessary field equipment to help them keep vigilance in the forest area, recently.
Around 20 members of VDP and 50 volunteers, who work closely with the Forest Department to ensure round-the-clock surveillance and protection of the park’s vast ecosystem, were provided with torchlights, raincoats and gum boots as an acknowledgement of their unwavering dedication in keeping the National Park safe and poacher-free.
Facilitated by Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation organisation, the equipment was handed over to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Biswanath, Khageswar Pegu, during an event at the DFO’s office. The do also saw the presence of notable Range Officers including Jatindra Mohan Das, Pranjal Gogoi, and Debojit Saikia.
Expressing gratitude, DFO Pegu mentioned that these provisions would significantly assist the volunteers during their patrolling rounds, fortifying their efforts to safeguard the park.
In a subsequent event that took place at Makowa Chapori, under the Nag Shankar Range of the Biswanath Forest Division, the organisation distributed similar field equipment to 20 VDP members actively engaged with the Forest Department in the locality.
An enlightening awareness session, aimed at strengthening the bond among the stakeholders, was also conducted. This meeting witnessed interactions between the VDP members and esteemed attendees such as Range Officer Debojit Saikia, Saidur Rahman (President of NGO Upatyaka), Aaranyak’s Arif Hussain, and Ram Bhakta Chetri.
Emphasizing its commitment, Aaranyak, through such endeavours, reiterates its objective of fostering a harmonised effort between various stakeholders. Aaranyak continues to aid the Forest Department, ensuring that volunteers and VDP members at the grassroots level are well-equipped and motivated, safeguarding the majestic wilderness of Kaziranga National Park.
