Guwahati, July 16: Premier biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak (www.aaranyak.org) with the objective to
complement the challenging monsoon-season-efforts of Forest Department and community volunteers from
Village Defence Parties (VDPs) to protect the fragile ecology in Majuli River Island district of Assam,
organised a health camp in collaboration with the district health department and a field gear distribution
programme in coordination with the Forest Department on July 10 last at the premises of Divisional Forest
Office, Garmur.
Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island, is home to an estimated 1.96 lakh people whose livelihoods
are anchored in agriculture, while its landscape sustains wildlife populations throughout the year.
The Forest Department there has to work around the clock to protect the wildlife population, often braving
difficult weather and low visibility, in close and constant coordination with the Village Defence Parties
(VDPs) of the island.
The Rhino Research and Conservation Division (RRCD) of Aaranyak organised the health camp to support
frontline staff of the Forest Department and members of the local community in collaboration with the river
island district health department.
Altogether 68 including 45 frontline forest staff and 23 local community members benefitted from the health
camp, that focused on promoting preventive health awareness, and support the well-being of individuals
working and living in remote conservation landscapes.
The medical team from the District Health Department, Majuli, led by Dr. Dimpi Pegu, Medical Officer and
supported by support from Pinki Saikia, Upasana Hazarika, Mousumi Saikia Dutta, and Monju Das, worked
under the guidance of Dr. Kishore Kumar Kaman, conducted general health examinations and consultations
and distributed essential medicines to participants.
The programme was attended by Abhijeet Dolley, Range Officer of Majuli Forest Division; Dr. Deba
Kumar Dutta, Deputy Director, (RRCD), Aaranyak, who underscored the importance of ensuring regular
healthcare support for frontline conservation personnel and local communities. The Assistant Manager of
the GTAD, Aaranyak, Madhumita Barthakur also represented the organisation in the programme.
The Field Gear Distribution Programme organised for the frontline forest personnel and Village Defence
Party (VDP) members, aimed at enhancing safety, preparedness, and operational efficiency during wildlife
protection, anti-poaching, and emergency response activities under demanding field conditions, particularly
in the challenging monsoon season.
A Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, recognised by the DSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of
India,Registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 with registration number 3096 of 1989-90
Sixty rechargeable torch lights and 60 raincoats were distributed. Thirty torch lights and 30 raincoats were
provided to frontline staff of the Majuli Forest Division and an equal number of the same items distributed
among VDP members in recognition of their role in supporting conservation activities and maintaining
vigilance in vulnerable areas. The remaining gear were earmarked for additional frontline personnel and
community volunteers engaged in conservation and emergency response across the Majuli landscape.
The programme was graced by Somalin Subhadarsini, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Majuli
along with other dignitaries. The SSP highlighted the need for strong collaboration among the Forest
Department, Police Department, local communities, and conservation organizations to safeguard Majuli’s
natural heritage, and expressed appreciation for Aaranyak’ s continued efforts in supporting frontline
personnel through capacity-building and welfare initiatives.
Both initiatives were coordinated and organized by Mr. Ujjal Bayan, Senior Researcher, Aaranyak, under
the guidance of Executive Director of Aaranyak Dr. Bibhab Kr. Talukdar and RRCD Deputy Director Dr.
Deba Kr. Dutta, who led the planning and implementation in collaboration with the Majuli Forest Division,
the District Health Department, and local stakeholders.
The Health Camp was facilitated with support of Zoo Berlin, while the field gears were supported by Disney
and IRF, whose continued partnership with Aaranyak has been instrumental in advancing community
welfare and conservation initiatives across Assam’ s priority wildlife landscapes.
