From Our Correspondent
TURA: Two speedboats have been donated for the eco-conservationist villages of Siju Aratika and Rewak’s Kosigre villages in recognition of their contribution to protect the eco system of the region by setting up of a village forest reserve as an elephant corridor.
The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) handed over the boats to aid the people living in Siju and Rewak who had come forward to declare a large portion of untouched jungle with wildlife as a village forest reserve that would be under the surveillance of The Wildlife Trust of India and The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council for the regeneration of Elephant migration routes along the ridges stretching from Balpakram National Park in South Garo Hills to the Nokrek national park peak in West Garo Hills.
The speedboats would aid the villagers in their daily navigation of the mighty Simsang River which passes through their area. Villagers depend on the river for transportation and movement to other areas and markets which at times is perilous particularly during the monsoons.
The Wildlife Trust of India have been extending its support in various other developmental activities in the region also.
The two boats were handed over to the villagers at Siju Dabat beach by GHADC Chairman and local MDC Alphonse A Sangma at a brief function in the presence of village nokmas and elders. Commenting on the importance of preservation of wildlife anf forests, the Council chairman acknowledged that Siju A’king is fortunate to have so much of flora and fauna and it is upon the people to protect and preserve such a natural gift.
The Wildlife Trust of India and the Samrakshan Trust are two NGOs in the forefront of conservation programs in South Garo Hills district.
Creating of awareness on the importance of wildlife protection has been paying rich dividends with village after village coming forward to protect their respective forests and refusal to fall prey to easy money from coal and limestone that is in abundance beneath the soil.