BAGHMARA:
The office of the Director, Balpakram National Park, South Garo Hills district in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India organised ‘A call to action to end the illegal wildlife trade” on the theme of a World Elephant Day, at District Sports Playground, Baghmara, on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills district, S Awasthi informed that measures should be taken to conserve the species of endangered elephants otherwise the future generation will only see them in pictures like other extinct animals such as dinosaurs and other species.
Awasthi said, “We have around 30,000 elephants in our country from which 1600 to 1700 belongs to our state so it is a huge number considering the overall ratio compared to the whole area covered by the country. So it gives us a lot of responsibilities to make sure that number keep on increasing and we conserve them,” adding that decrease in the forest cover is a huge challenge due to which they are compelled to move to and fro. He urged the forest officials to take adequate steps to ensure the elephants’ corridors are free from obstacles.
Reiterating a recent incident where a BSF personnel was brutally killed by elephants, the DC suggested holding awareness programmes on various do’s and don’ts and some safety measures whenever they encounter the elephants.
As part of the celebration, a friendly football match was organised.
Rimse K Sangma, Director, Balpakram National Park and B.T.Sangma , Assistant Manager, Wildlife Trust of India were also present.