From Our Correspondent
Guwahati: A Green Marathon was organised in Kaziranga National Park (KNP) on the occasion of World Environment Day on Tuesday to take pride in the Park’s magnificent bioresources besides taking a vow to protect the same in this a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that is the most celebrated abode of one-horned rhinoceros on the planet and a thriving tiger reserve.
Young enthusiastic nature and wildlife lovers, 179 in total, from across Assam ran for a green cause taking part in the Green Marathon organised along a particular stretch the National Highway 37 that flanks southern boundary of Park. It was flagged off by Assam’s Minister for Environment and Forest Rakibul Hussain in front of the office of the Director of the KNP at Bokakhat.
They ran 22 kilometers along the highway to Kohora, the main entrance to the wildlife protection area.
People lined up along the both sides of the highway to cheer the runners as well as to witness the unique event. T-Shirts, leaflets, posters and stickers will be distributed to the participants and onlookers to spread the message of conservation. Street plays were organised along the road to highlight the importance Nature. As a prelude to the marathon race, a public march was taken out for one kilometer in Bokakhat township near Kaziranga National Park at the dawn. Aaranyak, a society for conservation in Northeast India, took the initiative in organizing the first Kaziranga Green Marathon in collaboration with Bokakhat District Master Athletic Association, Assam Forest Department and Bokakhat Civil Administration along with other partners.
Kaziranga is a celebrated conservation success story and a global tourism destination on Monday.
The history of its conservation dates back to 1904. The uniqueness and richness of the Park is phenomenal. The rivers, streams and the beels inside the park are ideal habitat for the fresh water fishes, reptiles and other aquatic forms of life. The lush green grassland supports a large number of herbivores that in turn supports a very high density of tigers. There are approximately 35 species of mammals, 500 species of avifauna, 60 species of reptiles, 24 species of amphibians, 42 species of pisces and 491 species of butterflies. 440 species of plants has also been recorded from Kaziranga.
A cash prize of Rs 10,000 was presented to Shomezuddin Ahmed of Kamrup who emerged first in the Green Marathon. The first and second runners up Bijoy Deka (Jorhat) and Robin Das (Barpeta) were felicitated with cash awards of Rs 7000 and Rs 5000 respectively.
