Guwahati, Oct 31: In an effort to safeguard the habitat of endangered vulture species in the Parbatjhora Suparighat area near Mahamaya, located within the Kokrajhar district and bordering Dhubri district, the Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) initiated the construction of a boundary wall.
Ranjit Basumatary, the BTC Executive Member responsible for Forest and Revenue, inaugurated this project, valued at approximately 1.5 crore rupees, aimed at preserving and protecting the nesting areas and roosting trees of endangered White-rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis) and Himalayan Griffons (Gyps himalayensis) from potential illegal encroachments.
The Mahamaya area, where White-rumped vultures spend a significant portion of their year, is graced with ancient, dense Sal trees along with other indigenous tree species, intricately interwoven into their ecosystems. The Himalayan Griffon, a seasonal visitor, arrives in the region during the winter months for breeding, staying for nearly four to six months each year.
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In light of these environmental considerations, Ranjit Basumatary, the Executive Member of BTC, has championed the cause and secured funding from the Indian Ministry of Forest and Environment to construct a brick wall and chain-link boundary to protect this vulnerable area from vultures, which hold a vital ecological role.
While addressing the media, EM Basumatary criticized the Chief of the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), Hagrama Mohilary, for allegedly establishing tea gardens in his father-in-law’s name by encroaching upon 150 bighas of Reserved Forest land.
He expressed strong disapproval of such actions, especially when carried out by educated individuals, and affirmed the BTC government’s commitment to conducting eviction drives on such lands in the near future.
