Guwahati, Oct. 30 (ANI): Efforts are on to preserve the flora and fauna of Assam's Manas National Park, which is located in Bodoland territory.
The park was declared a world heritage site in 1985.
"Save Manas National Park" is what the children chanted as they walked around in the streets of Bodoland Territorial Autonomous district.
Motivating people to preserve the bio-reserve, the children interacted with the villagers and explained the urgent need to do so.
The rally was a part of the 58th Wildlife week. It was organized under the aegis of an NGO working to preserve the park.
"Our volunteers are doing their duties inside the park whereas others are running an awareness campaign outside the park in nearby villages," said Ajay Kherkotari, the president of the Manas Bhuyanpara Conservation and Eco-Tourism Society.
A few years ago, the park was declared a heritage site. Its existence was threatened by Bodo insurgents. Killing and poaching were common and there were no visitors to the park.
But after the Bodo Accord was signed, the situation has changed.
Guest houses, roads, and bridges were built and it has resulted in the increased inflow of tourists.
The 950-square kilometer-long park has rare animals like tigers, wild elephants, buffaloes and rhinos.
"The government is working hard to improve the infrastructure to promote tourism," said Adhan Ojha, a ranger at the park.
Different government agencies along with NGOs and several ex-militants are working together to bring about a change.
The park area falls in five districts, namely, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri, and Darrang, and is divided into three ranges of Panbari, Bansbari and Bhuiyanpara. (ANI)