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Bhela ghar with �save rhino� theme draws thousands at Amanishali

By Correspondent

RAHA, Jan 9 - A bhela ghar designed on two peacocks, one Rhino and a woman at Amanishali near Raha has become an attraction for a large number of people, travelling on Nagaon-Guwahati four-lane highway, besides residents of neighbouring areas.

Made of thatch, bamboo, straws, dried leaves of beetle nut and others, the bhela ghar has an appeal for all which differentiates it from all the other bhela ghars built across the State on the occasion of Bhogali Bihu.

A thin line of words written in Assamese Garh bosaouk, Asomor maan rakhok (Save rhino, keep Assam�s pride intact) clearly speaks about an organised mass movement to protect this rare species, which is claimed to be the pride of Assam.

When asked where he got the inspiration to build this bhela ghar, the artist behind this art work, Bhagawan Senapati, said, �Rhino is the symbol of Assam and the Government considers it as the �state animal�. The animal is pride of Assam but poaching has made their lives risky for free movement in their natural habitat. So, I have decided to build a bhela ghar after this animal to show our respect and make people aware of �save rhino campaign�.�

Expressing his concern for the safety of rhinos, Senapati added, �Only a handful of people are active in the campaign for the protection of this one-horned species. The common people relates themselves to the animal as their state symbol, but never ever they were actually concerned or bothered to do something to save this rare species from extinction. We only rely on the authorities to take action; but no one is actually concerned about the issue. And this has perhaps given the poachers and other unwanted elements enough of scope to exploit this majestic animal. I request all to work actively for the safety of the rhinos so that the pride of Assam remains same as it was earlier.�

Although the bhela ghar is a temporary night shelter for the community feast on Uruka night, but this great art work has drawn everybody�s attraction as it projects an exceptional design and theme.

While talking to this correspondent, Mahadananda Hazarika, Secretary, Home and Political Department under Government of Assam, after visiting the bhela ghar on Sunday said, �I am amazed to see this beautiful bhela ghar with a call for us to save rhinos. I thank the man behind this great job and hope the people will join hands with the government to save rhinos as Assam is known all over the world for them.�

Apart from other parts of the country, tourists from Australia, France, Germany, who are on their way to Kaziranga, visited the spot at Amanishali to have a glimpse of the bhela ghar.

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