TURA: To acknowledge the conservation practices of the community living in the Siju-Rewak-Baghmara region of Garo Hills and their contribution in setting aside ecologically critical parcels of their land as village reserve forests, the Wildlife Trust of India and the Body Shop International came together to donate several items of medical equipment for use at the Baghmara civil Hospital and the Siju Primary Health Centre on Tuesday.
The Wildlife Trust of India is a conservation organisation while the Body Shop International is a British cosmetic company famous for its skin care products.
In a simple ceremony at the Baghmara civil hospital, the medical equipment were handed over in the presence of forest officials and other government officials.
Chief Guest at the programme, Chairperson of the district Child Welfare Committee, South Garo Hills, Florence T Sangma, said, “I am happy to participate at this noble initiative of WTI at Baghmara Civil Hospital and Siju PHC. I am also grateful to The Body Shop for extending these kinds of support to the people of South Garo Hills through the Wildlife Trust of India. Wildlife is important for our existence. Our ancestors have co-existed peacefully with the wildlife. We also have to follow this tradition of conservation.”
Accepting the equipment on behalf of the government, the District Medical and Health Officer, Dr. Lily Sengme Ch. Marak, said it was a happy occasion to see conservationists and top cosmetic firms joining hands to give a helping hand in medical care for the people living in this part of the region. “We are happy with the donation of these important instruments for the welfare of the people, and in future also we expect their support for the community in remote areas of extreme wilderness so that they are benefited.”
The Joint Director of Wildlife Trust of India, Sunil Kyarong, who took part in the programme informed that his organisation has been actively working with the community in the Garo Hills for the last fifteen years to secure vital elephant corridors and habitat as village reserve forests (VRF).
“We are grateful for The Body Shop India in understanding and supporting these crucial bio-bridges. This is a unique combination of health support and wildlife conservation. In simple words, we take care of their basic needs and the community protects the forest and the wildlife,” said Kyarong.
Among the other dignitaries present during the ceremony were, Surosh R Marak, Ex-Chairman, Baghmara Municipal Board and Bitopi G. Momin, Forest Range Officer, Siju Wildlife Range.
The Wildlife Trust of India officials added that such an initiative is not only a boon for the residents of these areas but also for the doctors who are willing to dedicate their services in remote areas of Garo Hills.
