67th Wildlife Week: 'Adjutant Stork Day' observed at State Zoo

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: As part of the ongoing 67th Wildlife Week, a cycle rally was organised by the Guwahati Wildlife Division at Assam Forest School in Jalukbari on Thursday.

The cycle rally organised to raise awareness on Deepar Beel, a Ramsar site, was flagged off by Minister for Environment and Forest, Parimal Suklabaidya in the presence of PCCF and HoFF, Alka Bhargava and other forest officials in the wee hours.

Donning sporting jacket and a cap, Minister Suklabaidya also took part in the cycle rally that traversed from the Assam Forest School main gate Jalukbari end point to Azara, Patgaon and culminated at Deepar Beel (Watch Tower) covering a distance of around 14 kms.

Taking to twitter, Suklabaidya said, "The 14-km route from Assam Forest School, Jalukbari to Deepor Beel (Watch Tower) has become the cynosure of all eyes and we shall strive to work towards conservation of the Ramsar site."

Minister Suklabaidya called upon the people to help the government in restoring the pristine glory of Deepar Beel, the only Ramsar riverine wetland site in Assam, famous for its fish and biodiversity and rich aquatic vegetation. He said all out efforts are on to make the unique biodiversity site a tourist destination.

Later, the Minister visited the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden to take part in the Adjutant Stork Day observed as part of the Wildlife Week that kicked off on October 2. October 7 is celebrated as Adjutant Stork Day.

The Minister called upon animal lovers and environmentalists to pitch in their efforts for conservation of the threatened adjutant storks. As carrion-eaters these scavenger birds play a pivotal role in keeping the environment clean. Adjutant storks are in the endangered category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.

DFO, Dr Ashwini Kumar, Adjutant Stork specialist, Dr Purnima Barman, officials and employees of the state zoo were present on the occasion. Later, Suklabaidya also went round the stalls put up by local SHGs in the zoo premises.

Also Read: Researchers found Lesser adjutant storks now multiplying in vacant fields

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