KAZIRANGA, Sept 22 - Kaziranga National Park in association with various environmental NGOs and people of Kaziranga observed World Rhino Day today.
The day-long programme inaugurated by Director of Kaziranga National Park P Siva Kumar and SDO (Civil) of Kaliabor, Bitupan Neog started at 7 am at Koliabor from which two processions with tableaus of rhinos moved for two different destinations, one towards Bokakhat and another towards Biswanath Division of Kaziranga National Park, Biswanath.
An open session was held today at Bokakhat Natya Mandir which was attended by Agriculture Minister and local MLA of Bokakhat Atul Bora, besides senior forest and civil officials and media persons.
During the deliberation, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora said that the cooperation extended by local people of Kaziranga was a great contribution towards conservation of rhinos in Kaziranga National Park, adding that local people should help in the protection of rhinos and other wildlife in Kaziranga National Park as it has helped in increase the population of rhinos in Kaziranga. He suggested promotion of tourism for the betterment of local people of Kaziranga.
The procession carrying Rhino Tableau which moved towards Bokakhat was joined by more than 500 people till it reached Burapahar range where it was given a warm welcome by the local communities along with members from Eco Development Committees. Later, the tableau reached Kuthori where women groups from the local naam ghar welcomed the procession party by singing traditional naams as mark of respect to the Rhino tableau.
At 11: 55 am, when the Rhino Tableau and the procession reached Kohora chariali, the students of Rising Sun English School and local people gave a warm reception by honouring the it with a gamosa.
The students of Rising Sun English School recited poems and gave speeches on rhino conservation. A Rhino Board displaying various pictures of Rhino at different situations in Kaziranga National Park and a pencil painting showing different aspects and beliefs of common people on the rhino was presented to the Range Officer of Kohora central range of Kaziranga, Salim Ahmed by the student groups of the school.
Later, the rhino tableau along with the people moved towards Bokakhat. Winners of drawing and essay writing competitions were awarded today at Bokakhat.
