International Wildlife Conference in the biodiversity rich Bodoland

International Wildlife Conference in the biodiversity rich Bodoland

Soumyadeep Datta (English translation by Novanita Sharma)

The Bodoland Territorial Region constitute one of the richest biodiversity zones amongst all other biodiversity rich areas in the entire Indian subcontinent. One rarely comes across an abundant distribution of endangered species of wildlife in any other part of the Brahmaputra valley as found in this region.

The biodiversity of Bodoland constitutes an unparallel natural treasure, and every Indian citizen is responsible to provide complete protection to this rich biodiversity. The current political and administrative identity that protects this land is formally known as the Bodoland Territorial Region.

The total area of the Bodoland region is approximately 8,970 sqkm, this includes various villages, towns, crop lands, wetlands, lakes, rivers, streams, hills, hillocks, forests, grasslands, and widespread plains land.

The Bodo people are the main inhabitants and form the majority population of this landmass, though many other ethnic communities like Rabha, Garo, Rajbonshi, Koch, Adivasi, Santhal, Nepali, Kachari, Sonowal, and many more have enriched the cultural fabric of this region. I have mentioned earlier that this region is exceptionally rich in wildlife, there are many geographical and ecological reasons for this richness. 

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This region shares its northern boundary with the Bhutan Himalayas and the Kingdom of Bhutan. The characteristics of the Terai and Bhabar belts of the foothills of Bhutan Himalayas are distinct in this region. Almost all the rivers of the Bodoland region originate in Bhutan Himalayas and thus these rivers enter the Bodoland as turbulent hill rivers from Bhutan that traverses across the region before the final plunge in the river Brahmaputra.

This is the reason why these rivers and the riverine forests of this region have been established as the major traditional routes for the movement and migration of various wildlife species living in the mountains as well as in the plains land.

The contiguous woodland forests sprawling from the mountains to the plains, the grasslands in the plains, together with the riverine catchment areas, and wetlands creates an amazing habitat diversity for wildlife in this region. This explains the incomparable diversity and richness of wildlife in the Bodoland region.  

The natural resources, forests, and wildlife of Bodoland have been subjected to unabated exploitation since the days of the British rule in India. The Britishers were the first to inflict widescale damage and exploitation of the forests and wildlife of Bodoland, such abuse never occurred before the advent of colonial rule in this region. Despite the merciless killing of wildlife and exploitation of the forest resources, Bodoland continue to pulsate with a plethora of rich wildlife.  

At present, a wave of progressive growth is beginning in the Bodoland under the leadership of Sri. Pramod Boro, Bodoland is showing a promising growth spurt in every field of work under the able leadership of Sri. Pramod Boro. The sphere of wildlife conservation has gained considerable importance under his leadership.

The Pramod Boro led Bodoland Territorial Council has placed the official responsibility for Forests, wildlife conservation, and environment protection to Sri. Ranjit Basumatary. Sri. Ranjit Basumatary is a wildlife loving, wise political leader who is emphasizing great importance on wildlife conservation and protection of forests. The Pramod Boro led BTC government has been able to implement crucial steps in forest protection by evicting human encroachments from vast forest lands because of the committed efforts of Sri. Ranjit Basumatary.  

Many endemic species of wildlife which are not found in any other part of the country are found in the forests of Bodoland. One such species is Golden Langur. The forest expeditions of Nature’s Beckon, an environment activists’ group of Northeast India discovered the occurrence of Golden Langur in the Chakrashila hill forests for the first time in the world.

The relentless efforts and the Nature’s Beckon led conservation movement for almost 12 years led to the protection of Golden Langur in the entire Bodoland as well as in Assam. Nature’s Beckon’s continuous appeal and conservation initiatives finally led the creation of the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary on 14^th July 1994

. It is noteworthy that the protecting of the Chakrashila hill forest by declaring it as the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary paved the way for world’s first habitat protection initiative for the conservation of endemic Golden Langur. The forests in the Bodoland region provide a safe haven to many other endangered and rare wildlife like Pigmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Bengal Florican, etc.

Apart from these the rich forests of Bodoland are home to many endangered mammals like Asian Elephant, Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Swamp Deer, Barking Deer, Gaur, Asiatic Buffalo, Himalayan Black Bear, Sun Bear, Spotted Deer, Crab Eating Mongoose, Pangolin, etc.

The forests in the Bodoland region are known for the rich avifauna, it is home to a wide diversity of wild birds. The woodland forests of this region are abuzz with countless woodland birds, the wetlands and rivers are abundant with water birds, and the pristine grasslands are thriving with many grassland bird species.

At present the Bodoland region comprises of four protected areas that include two National Parks and two wildlife sanctuaries, but there is an urgent need to create more wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to protect the wildlife and biodiversity in the Bodoland region.

Amongst the wildlife sanctuaries, the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary; and amongst the national parks, the Manas National Park and the Raimona National Park constitute the pride of Bodoland. The Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, it comprises a total area slightly more than 850sqkm.

The recently declared Raimona National Park covers a forest area of 422sqkm, the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary comprises of 45.57sqkm and the Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 26.22sqkm.

These wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of the Bodoland region has played an extremely important role in the conservation and revival of some of the rarest wildlife species of India, this include many endemic species which are found only in the forests of Bodoland and not anywhere else in the world. Amongst these rare wildlife species, the names of Golden Langur, Hispid Hare, Pygmy Hog, and Bengal Florican are worth mentioning.

We all know that India’s national bird is peacock or Indian Peafowl (Pavo crislatus). This bird species is found only in India, and is considered as one of the most beautiful amongst all other beautiful birds’ species of this world. Most of us do not realise the fact that in entire Assam and amongst all the Northeastern states Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, and Meghalaya, the national bird of India, i.e.

Indian Peafowl is found only in the forests of the Bodoland region. In the Bodoland region Indian Peafowl are found in the Manas National Park, the Raimona National Park, and the Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary. That is why, the conservation of the national bird of India in Assam and Northeastern India, places great emphasis on the initiatives for wildlife conservation and the preservation of forests in Bodoland region.  

In the present Bodoland Territorial Council led by Sri. Pramod Boro, the responsibility for Environment, Forest and Climate change, Land & Revenue, Minority affairs is been given to Sri. Ranjit Basumatary (Executive member – BTC). He is highly committed to the holistic development of the Bodoland region. I am personally aware of his dedicated efforts for the conservation of wildlife and forests.

I had the opportunity to walk with him in the forest trails of the Chakrashila wildlife sanctuary. His firm initiatives have enabled the eviction of human encroachments from acres of forest lands in the Bodoland region, along with the effective revival of forests in these areas. Sri. Ranjit Basumatary has richly contributed in the process of the declaration of the Raimona National Park.

The present Bodoland Territorial Council under the able leadership of Sri. Pramod Boro has many such individuals who have given wholehearted attention to wildlife conservation and protection of forests in the Bodoland region. The forests, wildlife, and the natural environment of the Bodoland region has the potential to open new vistas for economic development for the common people of this region.

With the promotion and growth of a judicious eco-tourism industry, the Bodoland region can very well become an ideal global destination for wildlife/ nature tourism. In this regard, the citizens of the Bodoland region have an important role to play, along with the government.

The common citizens of the Bodoland region must come to realize that the BTC government under the leadership of Sri. Pramod Boro is making efforts to secure a prosperous future for their future generations, and everyone must come forward to participate with their collective efforts to bring the change by staying away from corruption and embracing the path of sacrifice; the holistic growth and true progress is possible only when this consciousness arises in the minds of the common citizens. Remarkable progress and development can take place in all spheres with effective conservation of forests and wildlife in the Bodoland Territorial region.

Recently, the first Bodoland International Wildlife Conference was held at Baksa, in the Bodoland Territorial Region from 16^th February – 18^th February, 2024. This conference is very significant for the future course of development and wildlife conservation in the Bodoland region.

This conference attracted a massive participation from many members of the present Bodoland Territorial Council, government officials, bureaucrats, forest officials & employees, members of various non-government organizations, wildlife conservationists, prominent citizens, student leaders, people connected with the eco-tourism industry, scientists, artists, apart from a huge congregation of common citizens from the region.

Collectively, this international wildlife conference was organized under the guidance of Sri. Ranjit Basumatary. The Chief Secretary of Bodoland Territorial Region, Sri. Aksahdeep along with his office, the Addl. PCCF cum CHD- Department of Environment and Forest Sri. Suman Mahapatra, and many forest officials and employees actively participated and supported this conference.

Sri. Sujit Baglary, Secretary of Bodoland Territorial Region along with his administrative staff and employees also played an important role in this international conference at the Bodoland region. My friend Dr. Sunil Kaul, someone who has always worked for the benefit of the Bodoland region, who is profoundly influenced by voluntary thoughts and the philosophy of compassion, I sincerely consider Dr. Sunil Kaul as a true well-wisher of the Bodoland region.

Nature’s Beckon has been associated with Dr. Sunil Kaul for the past 32 years. The most important decision of this Bodoland International Wildlife Conference is the 17-point declaration of Sri. Pramod Boro led Bodoland Territorial Council. Sri. Ranjit Basumatary took part in the entire brainstorming discussion till the end of the conference to formulate this declaration and formally announced this decision publicly.

I feel happy to consider myself and Dr. Sunil Kaul very fortunate for getting the opportunity to put forth our thoughts and suggestions for this crucial declaration. The present Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma is a very conscientious Chief Minister, he shows a very dynamic approach towards forest and wildlife conservation. We could feel this in the creation of the Raimona National Park in the Bodoland region.

We remain ever hopeful that Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma will wholeheartedly cooperate in the actual implementation of all the 17 points of the declaration taken in the recently concluded Bodoland International Wildlife Conference. I am sharing the 17-point declaration of the Bodoland International Wildlife Conference that has already been formally announced, for the knowledge and perusal of the people.

1, Our commitment to the protection and preservation of all protected areas including National Parks and sanctuaries, within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), and to safeguard any vacant fringe areas from encroachment and recognizing their crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health, we pledge to ensure their integrity.

2. Acknowledging the significance of species like the Golden Langur not found in any other region of the world, we vow to highlight and promote their conservation efforts internationally, alongside the protection of other unique endemic species such as the Pygmy Hog and Hispid Hare.

3. Recognizing the traditional bio-resources like importance of Sacred Groves and Orchids within the BTR, we pledge to protect and potentially elevate them to sanctuary status, thereby preserving biodiversity and enhancing wildlife hubs within the region.

4. Embracing the Peacock, the National Bird of India and found solely within the BTR region of Assam in the entire North East, we commit to promote its conservation and its presence for eco-tourism development. We undertake to initiate efforts for population expansion and protection of this iconic species in Bodoland Territorial Region.

5. We pledge to restore habitats for critically endangered species and maintain the cleanliness and vitality of all rivers, streams, rivulets, jhora and wetlands within the BTR recognizing their importance in providing shelter for migratory birds in sustaining ecosystem.

6. We declare our intentions to create one or more wildlife safari in BTR to make available wildlife tourism round the year and make such spaces for rehabilitation of the rescued Wildlife.

7. We commit to providing guidance and support to conservationists in their research and scholarly pursuits, fostering a conducive environment for advancements in wildlife conservation.

8. Recognizing the interconnectedness of forests, we pledge to work towards creating forest inter-linkage including trans-boundary conservation between India & Bhutan.

9. We declare our intent to establish a dedicated website or webpage containing comprehensive information on the wildlife and biodiversity of the BTR, serving as a valuable resource for education, research, and conservation efforts.

10. Affirming the rich cultural tapestry intertwined with forests, we pledge to create a centre that will highlight and document this heritage for preservation and future generations’ appreciation.

11. We want to develop a comprehensive eco-tourism policy for BTR which is to be in-tandem with that of state as well as national level.

12. We pledge to recover and restore grasslands ecosystem by managing the invasive species and securing of both floral and faunal species of this landscape.

13. We pledge to commit to improve soil moisture in the Bhabar Tract of the BTR by constructing water harvesting/retention structures. 

14. We pledge to commit to involve local communities in conservation of the rich biodiversity of BTR and to adopt long term sustainable livelihood programmes for the fringe villages.

15. We commit to our utmost efforts to quickly declare at least 2 National Parks or Sanctuaries.

16. We shall introduce the knowledge of all indigenous wildlife of BTR in the curriculum of all middle education schools of BTR.

17. In witness whereof, we affirm our dedication to these pledges for the betterment of Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Development, and the Prosperity of the Bodoland Territorial Region.

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