Guwahati: A pall of sorrow has descended over Manas National Park following the ruthless slaughter of three wild elephants by poachers on Friday, May 2.
The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Pramod Boro, voiced profound dismay upon learning of the incident, assuring the public that the atrocity would be met with unwavering resolve. “This is a grave matter. We will not tolerate any threat to our wildlife and will ensure strict action against those involved,” he declared, promising a thorough investigation and the relentless pursuit of the perpetrators.
Boro emphasized the significant strides made in curbing poaching within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in recent years, crediting the sustained efforts of the BTR government. He highlighted a government initiative that facilitated the surrender of hundreds of handmade firearms and hunting tools by former poachers, who were subsequently provided with one-time financial aid to establish alternative livelihoods. This initiative, he asserted, had played a pivotal role in diminishing poaching activities.
The BTR government’s commitment to wildlife preservation extends beyond combating poaching, with significant measures taken to mitigate human-elephant conflict. This includes providing compensation to the families of individuals tragically lost in such encounters, showcasing a holistic approach to wildlife management.
Boro further underscored the government’s comprehensive environmental agenda, which encompasses the protection of wildlife, the preservation of natural resources, and the promotion of eco-tourism across BTC. He cited the declaration of Raimona National Park in the Kachugaon Forest Division and the establishment of the newly announced Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park under the Haltugaon Division in Kokrajhar district as tangible examples of these initiatives.
In a fervent appeal to the community, Boro urged citizens to remain vigilant and collaborate in the collective endeavor to safeguard wildlife from poachers. “We must all come together to protect our precious wildlife and natural heritage,” he concluded, emphasizing the indispensable role of public participation in preserving the region’s ecological wealth.
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