1,427 individuals appeal in unison to upgrade protection of Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve

GUWAHATI: A group of 1,427 conservationists, scientists, academicians, film-makers, artists, students, allied professionals and concerned citizens have wholeheartedly welcomed the dynamic step taken by the cabinet to upgrade the status of Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary to that of a National Park. Moreover, an appeal has been made to direct the attention of the State government to upgrade the protection of Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve as well.

Sprawling over an estimated area of 937 sq.km, Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve is the largest rainforest in the country. Also referred to as 'Amazon of the East', its biodiversity is as rich and unique as that of the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary which comprises only 111.19 square kilometre of the entire elephant reserve.

"It is the need of the hour to save Dehing Patkai region (a very lowland rainforest) also referred as Amazon of the East, because it has witnessed many illegal activities such as rampant deforestation, coal mining, encroachment, etc. At present our campaign "I am Dehing Patkai" is getting nationwide recognition. We request everyone to come together in this issue otherwise our heritage will be lostm," stated Trinayan Gogoi, Green Bud Society.

Renowned music composer Joi Barua said, "I realised my thought had to translate into speech and action. If our ecosystem, trees, the habitat and the wildlife are at risk- what are we left with? As an artist, I began to think - where is literature and poetry going to spring from? Where will fables originate?"

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