Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

10 Feb

Study Documents Kaziranga’s Rich Ecological Knowledge Sustaining Forest-Fringe Communities

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a significant initiative to preserve indigenous wisdom, Kaziranga Park authorities, partnered with the Assam State Biodiversity Board (ASBB) and the Assam Project on Forest & Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC) Phase II, have documented over 150 tradeable natural resources crucial to the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of communities surrounding Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. This comprehensive effort highlights the importance of high-biodiversity areas in cultivating habitats for these resources, vital for the livelihoods of local communities. The documented semi-wild resources, which include seasonal fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, and fibers, thrive in Kaziranga's ecosystems. They not only have practical uses but…

10 Feb

1,000 Students Sensitised on Rhino Conservation Near Manas National Park

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

A comprehensive series of 'Rhino Goes to School' awareness programmes took place over four days across four schools situated in the fringe areas of the Manas National Park & Tiger Reserve (MNP&TR) in Assam, specifically targeting the Bhuyanpara, Kokilabari, and Panbari forest ranges. The initiative reached approximately 1,000 students, emphasizing the significance of wildlife conservation, particularly for the Great one-horned rhinoceros. Led by Dr. C. Ramesh, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of MNP&TR, alongside Dr. Deba Kumar Dutta, Deputy Director of the Rhino Research and Conservation Division (RRCD) at Aaranyak, the programme was implemented in collaboration with…

10 Feb

Rare Hoolock Gibbon Dies After Coming in Contact with Live Railway Line in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

In a distressing event that has raised alarm among conservationists, an endangered hoolock gibbon was electrocuted on a railway line those traverses one of Assam's biologically significant forests. This incident underscores the critical threats that the electrified railway poses to wildlife, particularly to tree-dwelling species such as hoolock gibbons. The recent electrification of the railway line, executed without adequate protective measures, has exacerbated the risks to these animals. Forest officials confirmed that the deceased was an adult male gibbon found in the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Mariani in Jorhat district. Arboreal species like gibbons typically avoid descending to…

10 Feb

Middle Subansiri Project Gets Green Signal as Lower Subansiri Units Begin Power Generation

Sonakshi SarkarNews

With two units of the Lower Subansiri Hydro Power Project already generating commercial electricity and a third unit set to come online shortly, NHPC has received all necessary clearances from the Central Government to begin construction of the Middle Subansiri Hydroelectric Project. At the same time, preliminary studies are underway for the proposed Upper Subansiri project. Official sources confirmed that the Government of India has granted investment clearance for the Middle Subansiri project, which is expected to generate more than 1,600 MW of power. Environmental clearance has also been secured, and the tendering process for construction has already begun. Regarding…

10 Feb

Tawang Hosts Capacity Building Programme on Bio-Fortified Rice

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

A day-long capacity building training and interaction programme focusing on bio-fortified rice varieties was held at Zomkhang Hall in Tawang, organized by KVK Tawang in association with ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad Telangana. The event featured Keertika Kashyap from NABARD as the chief guest, alongside guest of honour Nawang Chonzom and several other dignitaries including Dr. C. N. Neeraja, Dr. Jyoti Badri, Dr. Kalyani M, Dr. Veerendra Jaldhani, Tashi Lungtan, and Jambey Tenzin. Farmers were educated about the suitability and benefits of bio-fortified rice varieties for hilly regions, focusing on their nutritional and agronomic advantages. The programme commenced with…

10 Feb

UMEED 2026 Empowers Class XII Students with Career Guidance and Leadership Skills

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Education Department of the Government of Sikkim successfully organised and concluded “UMEED 2026,” a two-day Leadership and Career Advancement Conclave, at the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Assam Lingzey in Pakyong district on February 7 and 8. The programme was conducted by the PM Shri Section of the department with the objective of guiding Class XII students who are preparing to move from school education to higher studies and professional careers. The conclave was designed keeping in mind the challenges that students usually face during the transition from school to college. Many students often feel uncertain about career choices, higher…

10 Feb

Sikkim Youth Urged to Participate Actively in Community Development and Democratic Processes

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Youth Council of the Citizen Action Party–Sikkim (CAP–Sikkim) held an important meeting on Sunday at Mellidara in South Sikkim, where party leaders and council members gathered to discuss issues related to youth welfare, social responsibility, and the constructive role of young people in society. The meeting was chaired by Party President Ganesh K. Rai and saw the participation of several Youth Council members who shared their views and suggestions on strengthening youth engagement across the state. According to the party, the meeting was organised with the objective of creating a platform where youth representatives could openly discuss the challenges…

10 Feb

Adventure Swimmer Elvis Ali Hazarika Scripts History with 350-km Open Sea Relay Swim

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Adventure swimmer Elvis Ali Hazarika has created history by becoming the first person from Assam to complete a 350-kilometre open sea relay swim, a challenging feat that lasted nearly four days. The relay swim concluded on the afternoon of February 9, marking an important achievement not only for the swimmer but also for adventure sports in the state. The swim began in the early hours of February 6 in the waters off Goa. According to Hazarika, the start of the journey was filled with nervousness and excitement as the team entered the open sea before sunrise. Over the next several…

10 Feb

Two-Day EC Exercise Focuses on Security, Coordination, and Enforcement

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Election Commission of India (EC) has carried out a detailed review of Assam’s preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections, expected to be held in March–April this year. The review was conducted over two days and focused on checking the readiness of districts, security planning, and coordination among administrative as well as enforcement agencies to ensure that the election process takes place smoothly and peacefully. According to an official statement, the two-day exercise was attended by senior officials of the Election Commission along with key officers from the state administration and police. The discussions were aimed at taking stock of…

09 Feb

On His Birthday, Maharashtra Dy CM Eknath Shinde Seeks Blessings at Kamakhya TempleA

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde celebrated his 62nd birthday on February 9, 2023, by offering prayers at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. Born in Dare village, Satara district, Shinde has deep respect for the temple, having visited it with 39 rebel MLAs over three years ago to seek blessings during a revolt against the previous Shiv Sena leadership. While in Guwahati, Shinde met with Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss enhancing economic and cultural ties between Assam and Maharashtra, during which Sarma conveyed warm birthday wishes to Shinde.