Assam minister seeks consensus on sanctuary boundaries at Bordoibam wetland

Guwahati, Nov 5 – Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu visited the Bordoibam wetland on Thursday together with the local Circle Officer and area residents. The visit aimed to explore a mutually acceptable approach to drawing the boundaries of a proposed bird sanctuary, while balancing ecological protection with the agricultural interests of nearby farming communities.

Minister highlights need for sustainable demarcation

During the site visit, Minister Pegu examined concerns raised by locals about the planned boundary lines. He stressed that any solution must safeguard the ecologically significant wetland without harming the agricultural land that supports local families. In a post on X, the minister said the trip was carried out under the directions of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, noting that protecting the wetland and safeguarding farmers’ land must go hand in hand. He underscored the importance of incorporating local concerns before finalising the sanctuary’s limits.

Circle Officer tasked with community consultations

The minister instructed the Circle Officer to organise consultations with residents and to prepare a proposal that outlines an amicable resolution to the boundary issue. The expected exercise is intended to foster dialogue between the administration and the community, particularly farmers whose holdings could be affected by the demarcation process. The Circle Officer is to submit the proposal after completing the consultations.

Conservation goals linked to local livelihoods

Bordoibam wetland is recognised as an important natural habitat. Its proposed development as a bird sanctuary is seen as a step toward strengthening biodiversity conservation and protecting local ecosystems. However, the boundary exercise has highlighted the need to address land-ownership questions, ongoing agricultural activities, and the long-term interests of the communities living around the wetland.

Government’s consensus-based approach

According to The Shillong Times, the state government’s approach, as outlined during the minister’s visit, seeks to ensure that conservation initiatives are pursued through consultation and consensus rather than at the expense of local livelihoods. The emphasis is on aligning wetland protection with the economic well-being of farmers, reflecting a broader policy of integrating environmental objectives with community needs.

The visit and the subsequent directives signal a continued effort by Assam’s administration to reconcile ecological preservation with the socio-economic realities of the region’s rural population.