ASSAM

Nameri National Park: A Gateway to Northeast India’s Natural Wonders

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Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve, a jewel nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, is set to reopen its gates to visitors on October 30th, 2024, after a monsoon-induced closure. This picturesque park, known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Here’s a glimpse into what awaits visitors:

1. A Sanctuary of Biodiversity:

  • Nameri boasts a rich tapestry of life, housing a diverse range of flora and fauna.
  • From the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger to the elusive Clouded Leopard, the park is a haven for carnivores.
  • Birdwatchers will be delighted by the vibrant plumage of numerous species, including the endangered White-winged Wood Duck.

2. A Paradise for Adventure Seekers:

  • Nameri offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility.
  • Visitors can embark on thrilling rafting expeditions down the Jia Bhoroli River, navigating through scenic landscapes.
  • Trekking trails wind through the park’s heart, offering glimpses of its hidden treasures.

3. A Commitment to Conservation:

  • Recognizing the importance of wildlife conservation, the park implements responsible tourism practices.
  • Trekking activities are suspended on Tuesdays to minimize disturbance to animals.
  • The park’s management strives to balance visitor enjoyment with the well-being of its inhabitants.

4. A Gateway to the Northeast:

  • Nameri serves as a gateway to the diverse ecosystems of Northeast India.
  • Its proximity to the Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh creates a vast expanse of protected forests, crucial for wildlife corridors.

5. A Symphony of Nature:

  • Nameri’s beauty lies not just in its wildlife but also in its serene landscapes.
  • Lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and the meandering Jia Bhoroli River create a symphony of nature’s artistry.

6. A Call to Action:

  • The park’s elephant population faces challenges due to habitat loss.
  • Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of their impact and support conservation efforts to ensure the future of this magnificent species.

Nameri National Park offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, experience adventure, and contribute to the preservation of this precious ecosystem. It’s a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

The Dying Flame of Tradition: Balisatra’s Pottery Faces Extinction

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1. A Legacy on the Brink: The once-thriving pottery industry in Balisatra village, Assam, is facing a bleak future. Only seven families remain dedicated to this centuries-old craft, a stark contrast to the hundreds of households it sustained just five decades ago.

2. The Silent Erosion: The dwindling interest among younger generations, coupled with the gradual decline of the business, has pushed this art form to the brink of extinction. The influx of cheaper Chinese-made alternatives has further exacerbated the situation, posing a significant threat to the artisans and their livelihoods.

3. The Struggle for Survival: Hitran Kumar, a potter with 28 years of experience, highlights the challenges of sustaining a family solely through pottery in today’s economic climate. He emphasizes the relentless effort and dedication required, which are often not rewarded with adequate financial returns.

4. Shifting Priorities: The younger generation is increasingly drawn to alternative vocations, seeking stability and financial security in government or private sector jobs. This shift in aspirations further contributes to the decline of traditional pottery.

5. A Heartbreaking Reality: Kumar laments the imminent extinction of this centuries-old tradition, acknowledging that he will likely be the last potter in his family. He supplements his income through a grocery store and farming, highlighting the economic pressures that force artisans to abandon their craft.

6. Unique Techniques on the Verge of Disappearance: The Hira and Kumar communities of potters in Assam are known for their distinct techniques. The Hiras utilize stones and a wooden beater to shape their pots, creating robust pieces, while the Kumars rely on the traditional potter’s wheel. These unique methods are now facing the threat of being lost forever.

7. A Call for Preservation: The story of Balisatra’s pottery serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of traditional crafts. It underscores the need for support and initiatives to preserve these valuable cultural legacies, ensuring their survival for future generations.

A Journey Through Kaziranga: A Humanistic Perspective on Wildlife Tourism

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The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a haven for diverse wildlife, welcomes tourists with open arms and a renewed focus on responsible tourism. This season, the park is buzzing with activity, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature and its inhabitants. Here’s a glimpse into the human-wildlife interaction at Kaziranga:

1. Elephant Safari: A Gentle Ride into the Wild:

The park offers elephant safaris, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Kaziranga from a different perspective. This year, 10 elephants are deployed at Kohora range and 35 at Bagori Forest Range, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists. The traditional elephant puja, a symbolic gesture of respect for these magnificent creatures, further emphasizes the park’s commitment to ethical tourism.

2. A Surge in Tourism: A Testament to Kaziranga’s Appeal:

The park has witnessed a significant increase in tourist footfall, particularly international visitors. This surge reflects the growing global interest in experiencing the unique biodiversity of Kaziranga. The park’s commitment to conservation and responsible tourism practices has undoubtedly contributed to this positive trend.

3. Protecting the Wildlife: A Collaborative Effort:

The park authorities are vigilant in their efforts to protect the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. The recent apprehension of two poachers highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between the forest department and local authorities in safeguarding the park’s precious ecosystem.

4. Balancing Tourism and Conservation: A Delicate Dance:

The park’s success in attracting tourists while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for its wildlife is a testament to the delicate balance between tourism and conservation. The park’s commitment to responsible tourism practices, including the use of eco-friendly vehicles and strict anti-poaching measures, ensures that the future of Kaziranga remains bright.

5. A Humanistic Approach: Connecting with Nature:

The elephant safaris, the surge in tourism, and the ongoing efforts to protect wildlife all point to a humanistic approach to wildlife tourism. The park recognizes the importance of connecting humans with nature, fostering a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the natural world.

6. A Call for Responsible Tourism:

The success of Kaziranga serves as a model for other wildlife sanctuaries, demonstrating the potential of responsible tourism to contribute to conservation efforts. By respecting the environment and the animals that inhabit it, we can ensure that future generations can experience the wonders of Kaziranga and other natural treasures.

The Assamcabinet decided to give a one-time grant of Rs 1 lakh each to the next of kin of poor people who have died due to Covid-19 and were not government employees or were not getting government pension.

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Cabinet ministerPijush Hazarikasaid, UnderPrarthanascheme, so far there are around 6,000 such beneficiaries (next of kin). The grant will be provided under this scheme. The amount will be handed over to beneficiaries onGandhi Jayanti. The has already rolled out two other schemes for children orphaned due to Covid and Women who have lost their husbands to the pandemic. Each child, who has lost both parents, has been given a fixed deposit certificate of principal amount ofRs 7,81,200, a cheque of Rs 3,500 as the first monthly assistance which will continue till they attain the age of 24 years. On completion of 24 years of age, the principal amount parked as fixed deposit against each beneficiary would be credited to their bank accounts.
Under the scheme, for children below 10 years and adolescent girls with no guardian, the state government is taking steps to house such children in childcare institutions and provide funding towards their upkeep, including educational expenditure. Women who have lost their husbands have been given Rs 2.5 lakh as one-time support from theCMs relief fund and will also be entitled to the benefits of Arunodoi scheme along with a monthly widow pension under the ongoingIndira Miri Universal Widow PensionScheme.

With dailyCovidcases coming down below 1,000 and positivity rate under 1 per cent in the state, the second wave of Covid-19 may die down by the end of August, said health experts.

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Despite a significant dip in the positive cases, still around 20 Covid deaths were being reported in the state daily till recently. The number of fatalities remains a concern, though Barman said the number of Covid deaths has been static of late.

More than Assam, the gateway to the northeast, the bigger worry is other hilly states in the region now. Positivity rate in East Khasi Hills district ofMeghalaya, including capitalShillongstill remains above 10 per cent, while the positivity rate in most districts of Assam remains within 2 per cent.

Following the weekly cabinet meeting that took place in Janata Bhawan in Guwahati, the Assam Government on Wednesday decided to extend the food security net by multiplying the income criteria for families from existing Rs. 2.5 lakh per anum to Rs. 4 lakh.

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The aim behind this decision is to facilitate more deserving families to apply for new ration cards under the National Act (NFSA), 2013.

The Council of ministers also decided to set up an Adivasi Welfare and Development Council in accordance with the Adivasi accord signed on September 15, 2022, Barua said. The Council will address political, economic and educational aspirations, protect, preserve and promote social, cultural, linguistic and ethnic identities and ensure accelerated and focussed development of Adivasi-inhabited areas and tea garden areas, the Minister said.

The cabinet also decided to pay Rs 1 lakh each as compensation to 1,496 casual labour families of Doloo Tea Estate and Rs2.50 lakh for construction of houses to 173 families who would be displaced for a proposed Greenfield airport.

The cabinet also decided to amend the Assam Gratuity Act to clear confusion regarding the definition of ‘gratuity wage’ and remove the wage ceiling of Rs 2,500, the Minister said.

Assam: 500 dykes breached in past decade

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Over 500 embankment breaches by the ravaging annualfloodswere recorded inAssamin the past one decade (2013-2022), according toAssam State Disaster Management Authority(ASDMA). The state saw the highest breaches in 2015 when 283 breaches were recorded.

According to data provided by the ASDMA, a total of 40 breaches were recorded last year and consequently over 88 lakh Population across all the existing 35 districts (before the re-merged four districts with their parent districts in December last year) in the state.

Assam amends cattle law, tightens slaughter rules

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TheAssamassembly passed several amendments to the four-month-old cattle preservation law that tightens slaughter guidelines but re-opens inter-district movement of cattle, except to districts bordering Bangladesh.

Cattle will now be allowed to be slaughtered only in a slaughter house duly licensed or recognized by the state and there will be no exemptions which the principal Act, Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, had provided. As per provisons of the the original Act, “the may exempt certain places of worship or certain occasions for slaughter of cattle other than calf, heifer andcowfor religious purposes.” This provision has now been omitted by the amendment.

The amended bill also empowers Police to seize and auction vehicles that were used to transport cattle illegally. The amendments also empower the police to enter the house of an accused and inspect, search and seize properties acquired in the last six years with Money earned from illegal cattle trade.

Maternal mortality ratio in Assam highest in country

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According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) published earlier this year, 25% of Women aged 18-29 marry before reaching the legal minimum age of marriage, while the Percentage of women marrying before the legal minimum age is 32% in Assam. The prevalence of anaemia among women is 60% or more in eight Indian states and Assam, along with Tripura, comes under this category.

IIT-G, Aus institutes tie up on water management

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The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) is collaborating with the Australia India Water Centre and the Western Sydney University to support water management reforms in India.

With the aim to provide a structured platform for capacity building with strategic and long-term to support water management reforms in India, the ‘India Young Water Professional Programme’ has been launched.

The objective of the programme will be to equip water professionals with necessary skills, knowledge, behaviours and networks that will better enable them to contribute to the development and management of Resources“>Water Resources in India and address the competency needs and priorities of the water sector.