Correspondent
RUKSIN, 21 Feb: About 50 young students from different educational institutions in Assam’s Dhemaji district participated in a two-day nature camp in Poba reserve forest (RF), which concluded on Friday.
The programme was sponsored by the Science, Technology and Environment Council and funded under the central government’s Environment Education Programme.
The main aim of the project was to introduce the young students to natural resources found in their areas and sensitise them to the need for their conservation and foster a close bond between young minds and the natural environment.
Resources persons Dr Ranjit Saikia, Nature’s Beckon member Tukheswar Miri Agarwala, and environmental activist Prafulla Kaman presented talks on various environmental issues on the opening day.
During the camp, the students were introduced to natural ecosystems available in and around the RF. They were also sensitised to the importance of conservation of natural resources and factors that support the livelihood of the local villagers.
The camp featured group discussions, nature-based games, jungle trekking, bird watching, wetland observation, and study of the biodiversity of Poba RF.
The overall activities of the nature camp were conducted by Silapahar Science College Botany Professor and Eco Club coordinator Dr Jitu Gogoi. Participants also included students from the Silapathar Science College Eco Club.
The Poba RF is located at the Assam-Arunachal boundary area, on the right bank of the Siang and the Lali rovers. The upper portion of the RF falls in Ruksin range under the Pasighat territorial forest division, while the lower portion is under the Dhemaji forest division of Assam.
National Highway 515, linking Dhemaji and Pasighat, passes through the RF.
