GUWAHATI, May 2 � A daylong workshop on �Urban biodiversity of Guwahati� was held earlier this week under the aegis of the Kamrup (Metro) district administration and the Department of Environment and Forest at the Assam State Zoo.
In his inaugural speech, Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner Dr M Angamuthu appealed to all the NGOs, the general public and scientists to document the rich biodiversity of Guwahati and look for measures to be taken to protect the biodiversity and hillocks in and around the city.
He assured all assistance from the district administration in formulating and implementing a strategy for the protection of the environment in the city.
Dr RM Dubey, Chairman of the Assam Pollution Control Board, delivered a lecture on the status of pollution in general and wetlands in particular.
Dr Abhay Johari, Member-Secretary of the Assam Biodiversity Board, gave a presentation on the legal framework for the documentation of biodiversity as per the Assam Biodiversity Rules, 2010. He assured all help from the Assam Biodiversity Board in documentation and publication according to legal provisions.
Dr Anwar Uddin Choudhury, Secretary to the Government of Assam, gave a presentation on the Deepor Beel and the Amsing Wildlife Sanctuary, which are located within the limits of Guwahati. He outlined the measures to be taken for the protection of these two sites.
CK Bora, Divisional Forest Officer of Kamrup East Division, delivered a brief lecture on the eight reserve forests and two wildlife sanctuaries.
Udayan Borthakur of Aaranya outlined a plan for reforesting the hillocks of Guwahati and suggested some measures for the protection of the biodiversity of the city. He emphasised on creating awareness among the public for involving citizens in this effort.
Officials from the police and other departments also participated in the meeting.
The meeting resolved to form three committees for documentation, protection and restoration of habitats within Guwahati and also decided to start a massive plantation drive on all the hillocks within the city with active participation of the police, Army, NGOs and educational institutions, said an official statement.