Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization, in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), hosted a comprehensive awareness and sensitization program on vulture conservation at Sibsagar Commerce College. The event sought to educate students and faculty about the crucial ecological roles vultures play and emphasize the urgent need for their protection, as articulated in an Aaranyak communiqué. Wasima Begum, a conservation official from Aaranyak, highlighted the dangers posed by harmful bacteria found in animal carcasses and discussed how vultures act as nature’s “sanitation workers,” preventing disease spread by effectively disposing of dead animals. She underlined the ecological services vultures provide, stressing their importance for environmental balance and public health.
Hiren Dutta, an environment enthusiast and Aaranyak member, delivered a presentation detailing various vulture species, their physical traits, and the specific species found within the Sibsagar district. Dutta also addressed the significant challenges facing vulture populations, including habitat loss and poisoning incidents, while advocating for community involvement in conservation endeavors. Stitha Pragyan Mallick from BNHS elaborated on the alarming incidents of accidental poisoning and their catastrophic effects on vulture numbers, while also outlining the conservation initiatives being implemented by BNHS in the Sibsagar district to protect these vital scavengers and their habitats.
Dr. Saumar Jyoti Mahanta, Principal of Sibsagar Commerce College, emphasized the need for collective action towards vulture conservation and broader environmental protection initiatives, reinforcing the theme of unity in conservation. Dr. Kauranga Borgohain, the IQAC Coordinator, further encouraged the students to embrace environmental awareness and acknowledge their responsibilities towards conservation. The program culminated in a pledge led by Hiren Dutta, where students expressed their commitment to vulture protection and biodiversity conservation efforts. The session was facilitated by Trezalin Gayan Neog, an Assistant Professor at the college, and enjoyed enthusiastic participation from both students and faculty, indicating an increasing interest in wildlife conservation and ecological stewardship among the youth.