NORTH LAKHIMPUR, June 10 � The Lakhimpur Deputy Commissioner Dr Anwaruddin Chaudhury led the district forest division in observing the World Environment Day at the border area of Assam-Arunachal Pradesh in a bid to bolster goodwill relationship between the people of the two neighbouring state for the protection of the wild life.
The day was observed in a unique manner at Duloong Reserve Forest involving public from either side of the inter-state border along with the Lakhimpur Forest Division on June 5. Villagers from both Assam and Arunachal sides and village headmen participated in the programme along with large number of school children.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Choudhry said that the environment and wildlife knew no territorial boundary covering a wide area which might include places belonging to different political boundaries. He said that it was the duty of the people who share a common forest land and its wildlife across a border to cooperate jointly for its protection.
The DC also gave a detail account of wild animals found at Duloong Reserve Forest and called for its protection. He also distributed some awareness posters, leaflets and caps among the public on that occasion. In a rare show of solidarity, people from both the sides pledged to work jointly for the protection of the forests and wildlife irrespective of any territorial dispute.
They also resolved to work together in tree plantation and wildlife protection for the survival of the future generation. The public from both the sides also decided to hold interactive meetings in regular intervals to create cross-border awareness for the protection of the wildlife and environment on that occasion.
It may be recalled that the Duloong Reserve Forest on the Assam-Arunachal border has been a hotspot following armed skirmishes between the villagers of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam Forest Department.
