Staff Correspondent
Dibrugarh: Fully funded by OIL, the research study project to be conducted by Digboi College on present status of endangered White Winged Duck (Asarcornis Scutulata), the State bird of Assam, was ceremoniously launched on April 3 at Digboi College. Oil India Limited has supported the research study project under its CSR initiative towards conservation of environment.
The programme was graced by Principal of Digboi College, Dr. Dip Saikia, president of the governing body of Digboi College, Dilip Bhattacharya, GM Public Affairs, OIL, Dilip Kumar Bhuyan, DGM, Public Affairs-OIL, Tridiv Hazarika, DGM (S&E, OIL, Gopal G Rasu, DGM Eastern Asset-OIL, Alakesh Borah along with other senior officials from OIL, teaching fraternity and students of Digboi College.
Dr. Dip Saikia in his speech expressed his gratitude towards Oil India Ltd. for providing the financial assistance towards the project and summed up the objectives and importance of the research study. Dilip K Bhuyan, GM Public Affairs-OIL, in his speech stated how OIL being in a business of exploration and production of hydrocarbons, strives to preserve the environment and conserve biodiversity in its operational areas.
While praising the initiative of Digboi College in commencing the study, other officials from OIL spoke at length about the measures taken by the company to protect the environment in its operational areas.
The White Winged Duck (Asarcornis Scutulata) is the State bird of Assam and due to various threats to their survival, has become one of the rarest duck species in the world. In India, this bird is found only in the States of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh but currently, their population is undergoing a rapid and drastic decline due to deforestation and hunting by people depending on the forests for their livelihood. In the State of Assam, the forest areas of Tinsukia district has been the natural nesting ground of this endangered species. However, due to lack of research, their present population and distribution is still unknown. The objectives of this research project is therefore, to determine their population in Digboi and the surrounding areas, identification of threats associated with their survival and introducing conservative measures for their long-term survival.
Also read: Assam news