Guwahati, May 22 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment towards biodiversity conservation, protection of forests and elimination of poaching, marking the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said Assam is blessed with rich natural resources, lush forests and rare wildlife, and stressed the need for stronger conservation efforts to preserve the state’s ecological heritage for future generations.

“Our Assam, enriched with lush forests, rare wildlife, and invaluable natural resources, is truly blessed by nature. From the iconic Kaziranga National Park to the dense forests of Dehing Patkai National Park, from Manas National Park to Maguri Beel, our land is surrounded by a rich treasure of biodiversity,” CM Sarma wrote.

The Chief Minister further stated that the government would continue its drive against encroachment in forest areas and intensify anti-poaching measures across protected zones in the state.

“On this special occasion of International Biodiversity Day, we reaffirm our commitment to work with even greater determination towards conserving our biodiversity. We are resolute in our efforts to free our forests from encroachment and to build a zero-poaching Assam,” he added.

Assam is home to several globally recognised wildlife habitats and national parks that shelter endangered species, including the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, wild buffalo, Asian elephant and hoolock gibbon.

The state government has, in recent years, intensified eviction drives in reserved forest areas and wildlife sanctuaries, saying the measures are aimed at protecting ecologically sensitive regions from illegal encroachment.

Authorities have also strengthened surveillance and anti-poaching operations in national parks, particularly in Kaziranga, which has witnessed a significant decline in rhino poaching cases over the years.

Observed annually on May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity seeks to raise awareness on the importance of protecting ecosystems, wildlife and natural resources across the world.

–IANS

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