From Our Correspondent
TURA, Dec 4: Nokmas (village headmen) from over 35 villages from different parts of the Garo Hills were felicitated on Thursday by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), with the support of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and World Land Trust (WLT) for their contribution in nature conservation.
Through a statement, the WTI stated that it has been working with the GHADC and the State Forest department for over two decades now to secure and restore the forest patches located between West Garo Hills and Nokrek National Park to establish wilderness connectivity with Balpakram National Park — a landscape titled as ‘Garo Green Spine’.
Till date, the project has notified 40 Village Reserves Forest (VRF) covering an area of 6,753 hectares and has ensured the Right of Passage for elephants (Mongma) and other wild animals in the landscape. The project has also restored over 600 hectares of degraded forest patches. “The Nokmas and their clan members have played a critical role by graciously offering their A’king land for the establishment of these VRFs. By protecting their ancestral land, they are not only helping to connect fragmented landscapes and protecting biodiversity, but are also safeguarding their land and forests for future generations,” stated the release.
In recognition of their contribution to nature conservation, a felicitation event was organised at SMELC building in Tura.
The event was chaired by HR Sangma, EM Forest and Environment, GHADC. Other dignitaries included Prof PC Bhattacharjee, Trustee Emeritus, WTI; Rangkhu Sangma, Joint Secretary and CFO,GHADC, PR Marak, Joint Secretary of GHADC, and Dr Sandeep Kumar Tiwari, Vice President and Chief of Conservation, WTI.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof PC Bhattacharjee said that Garo Green Spine Conservation project was a conservation model and a great topic of global learnings and WTI is one of the major reason behind this achievement but this would not have been possible without the support of Nokmas and local communities.
The Nokmas also reflected their views on the conservation efforts in the landscape and some of the existing challenges and thanked WTI and GHADC for extending support to protect their forest.
HR Sangma expressed his happiness at being part of the event and felt it provided a great opportunity for him to know the conservation efforts being undertaken in the landscape. He requested the Nokmas to conserve forest and create more VRFs to protect wildlife.
Honouring WTI’s commitment to safeguard forests, wildlife corridors and the vibrant biodiversity of Garo Hills for the last 23 years, the GHADC has conferred upon it a certificate of appreciation. Expressing his happiness and gratitude for the honour being conferred to WTI, Dr Tiwari said that the people of Garo Hills by setting aside their land for conservation created a global example and model of community led conservation that has resulted in a win-win situation for both wild animals and local communities.
The highlight of the event was the community pledge – a resolution to protect and safeguard their A’king land for the conservation of forests and wildlife. The resolution will stand as a testament and symbol of stewardship and commitment to conservation.
Rangkhu stated that the programme marked an important day for conservation in Garo Hills because it highlighted the responsibilities, hard work, dedication and the perseverance of the Nokmas, GHADC and the members of the A’kings/villagers of the Garo Hills.
“In spite of the developmental pressure, they have remained absolute and steadfast because of which we still have our forests, wildlife, rivers and streams,” he lauded.
Selbalgre Nokma, Kremith Sangma appreciated the efforts the WTI made in their village and with the restoration of the degraded forest which has led to gibbons and deer coming back to their village forest while the stream now has enough water to take care of their needs.
Showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Garo Hills, a traditional invocation in the form of Wangala dance was organised during the event.
