Kaziranga leads rhino conservation with training for 700 safari drivers and mahouts

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 22, 2024

The World Rhino Day celebration was held at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve on Sunday, featuring a series of outreach activities aimed at raising public awareness about rhino conservation. These initiatives were designed to engage the community and highlight the importance of protecting the one-horned rhino, a species synonymous with Kaziranga and Assam’s biodiversity.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his commitment to protecting rhinos, one of the planet’s most iconic species.

PM Modi commended those involved in rhino conservation efforts over the years and highlighted India’s pride in being home to a large population of one-horned rhinos, primarily in Kaziranga National Park.

The Prime Minister fondly recalled his own visit to Kaziranga and encouraged others to visit the park as well.

On this occasion, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, through his social media post, called rhinos the “pride and crown jewel” of the state’s biodiversity.

Sarma highlighted the various initiatives taken by his government since assuming office to protect the one-horned rhinos, expand their habitat, and ensure their safety.

To mark this occasion series of events were organized at Kohora Convention Centre, Kaziranga which included a Conservation Rally, Jungle Safari Skill Upgradation Training and a Unique Salary account ‘Project Van Rakshak’ Axis Bank Scheme for Forest Frontline workers.

Agriculture Minister Atul Bora; Transport Minister Keshab Mahanta, and Lok Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa attend the central function as the chief guests.

The day commenced with a rhino tableau rally aimed at promoting the importance of rhino conservation, drawing participation from local communities, gypsy safari associations, forest staff, NGOs and wildlife enthusiasts.

This year, a unique programme aimed at providing refresher training to about 700 Gypsy safari drivers and mahouts on visitor safety and enhancement of visitor experience has been planned with funding support from Assam Skill Development Mission.

The training has focused on improving wildlife interpretation and visitor interaction, fostering a better understanding of conservation efforts among tourists. The first two batches were completed successfully and the participants were handed over certificates, badges, uniforms and I-card by the chief guests in the function.

At the event, two books that showcase the rich biodiversity of Assam namely “Birds of Assam” a guidebook by septuagenarian author and naturalist Santa Sarma and “A Handbook on Common Freshwater Fishes of Assam” – a joint publication by Assam State Wetland Authority and the Indo-German Bilateral Cooperation Project were released on the occasion.

Apart from this a voluntary salary account linked to – Health Insurance Scheme for forest frontline workers was launched by Axis Bank. This initiative aims to support and safeguard the health of forest personnel who are at the forefront of wildlife protection.