Ride for conservation: 160 km cycle rally from Kaziranga to Orang on rhino conservation 

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 21, 2024

The “Ride for Conservation” bicycle rally organized by Aaranyak in collaboration with Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNP &TR) and Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve (ONP & TR) concluded at the biodiverse Orang Park on Tuesday.

Both Kaziranga and orang are strongholds of one-horned rhinos. There are around 2,885 individuals in the state, including 2,613 in Kaziranga National Park and 125 in Orang National Park.

A team of eight cyclists took part in the rally which was flagged off by KNPTR field director Sonali Ghosh from Bokakhat Range of rhino abode KNP&TR on May 19.

The team covered 160 km that spanned two days, from Kaziranga Park to Orang Park to spread awareness about biodiversity conservation. The initiative was supported by the UK-based David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

“Ride for Conservation cycling expedition from Kaziranga to Orang was flagged off today! This initiative promotes wildlife conservation and physical well-being. Kudos to @aaranyak for their support in making this journey possible. Together, we pedal for a greener future!”, KNPTR authorities wrote in a post on X on May 19.

The bicycle rally was conducted for the cause of conservation and was led by Arif Hussain, manager of Aaranyak’s Rhino Research and Conservation Division (RRCD). The team also conducted rhino conservation outreach campaigns in two schools on the way.

As the team of cyclists arrived in Orang, they were welcomed by the divisional forest officer (DFO) of Mangaldai Wildlife Division and the director of Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve Pradipta Baruah. 

“Ride for Conservation, a cycle Rally from Kaziranga NP&TR to Orang NP&TR and Awareness campaign on “Save Rhino” “Save Tiger” “Save Nature”. Let’s pledge to protect our nature & secure our future,” Pradipta Baruah said in a post on X on Tuesday.

The All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) felicitated the participants at Silbori High School grounds in the presence of many residents. Aaranyak’s senior manager Debo Kumar Dutta and forest ranger of Orang Park Dibyajoti Deori were also present. 

Following the rally, an awareness meeting was held at Ballav Bhai Patel Higher Secondary School in Kaupati where the respective members engaged with the students, discussing the importance of preserving Orang National Park and its denizens such as Rhinos and Tigers.