Guwahati, May 22 (IANS). Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday, on the occasion of ‘International Biodiversity Day’, reiterated the state government’s commitment towards conserving biodiversity, protecting forests and eliminating poaching. He said that we remain steadfast in our efforts to free our forests from encroachment and build an Assam where poaching is completely eliminated.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on social media platform
He further wrote, “On this special occasion of ‘International Day for Biodiversity’ we reiterate our commitment to work with even greater determination towards the conservation of our biodiversity. We remain steadfast in our efforts to free our forests from encroachment and build an Assam where poaching is completely eliminated.”
Notably, Assam is home to several world-recognized wildlife habitats and national parks, which shelter many endangered species including the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, wild buffalo, Asian elephant and hoolock gibbon.
The state government has, in recent years, intensified operations to remove encroachments in reserved forest areas and wildlife sanctuaries. The government says these measures are aimed at protecting ecologically sensitive areas from illegal encroachment. Authorities have also strengthened surveillance and anti-poaching operations in the national parks, especially Kaziranga, which has seen a significant decline in rhino poaching cases over the past few years.
Celebrated annually on 22 May, ‘International Day for Biodiversity’ seeks to raise awareness about the importance of protecting ecosystems, wildlife and natural resources across the world.
–IANS
DCH/