Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi speaks about Rhino Conservation, remembers Bhupen Hazarika's song

Guwahati, Jan 30: Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while sharing a piece of great news from the wildlife front of Assam highlighted the efforts of the State towards rhino conservation.

Rhino has been an integral part of Assamese culture, such that their images are also found in the Muga and Eri dresses woven on the world famous handlooms of Assam, said Modi.

"Results follow when there is a sincere effort with noble intention. A great example of this has emerged from Assam. Rhino poaching affects Kaziranga and 37 rhinos were killed in 2013 and 32 in 2014 by poachers. To tackle this challenge, a huge campaign against the poaching of rhinoceros was launched in the last seven years with the special efforts of the Assam government. The number of rhino killings dropped sharply to 2 in 2020 and just 1 in 2021. On the 22nd of September last year, on the occasion of World Rhino Day, more than 2400 horns seized from smugglers were burnt. This was a stern message to the poachers and a steady decline is now being seen in the poaching of rhinos in Assam," said Modi

Modi also remembered a song of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika which praises the lush green surroundings of Kaziranga and its wildlife.