Assam CM pays tribute to forest martyrs, highlights Van Durga’s frontline role
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday paid tribute to forest personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, saying the state remains committed to strengthening forest protection and safeguarding its wildlife and natural heritage.
Marking National Forest Martyrs’ Day, CM Sarma said the sacrifices of forest personnel serve as a reminder of the risks involved in protecting Assam’s forests and wildlife.
He highlighted the state’s efforts to strengthen the forest force and empower women through the Van Durga initiative.
“On National Forest Martyrs’ Day, I pay my respects to those who made the supreme sacrifice protecting our forests, wildlife and natural heritage,” CM Sarma said in a post on X.
He added that Assam was committed to carrying forward the courage of the forest martyrs and protecting its forests for generations to come. A key feature of the state’s approach is the participation of women in frontline forest protection through Van Durga teams. Their work can include patrolling vulnerable stretches, assisting surveillance, reporting forest offences, supporting wildlife protection and helping maintain a field presence in protected and forested areas.
Images shared by the Chief Minister showed Van Durga personnel carrying out field duties inside forest areas, equipped for patrol and protection work.
Assam has a substantial network of protected landscapes, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and elephant reserves.
The state Forest Department lists five national parks, 20 wildlife sanctuaries, three tiger reserves and five elephant reserves among its protected areas.
The department’s broader conservation work includes protection and management of forests and wildlife habitats, afforestation, regeneration of degraded forests, plantation activities and community participation.
National Forest Martyrs’ Day is observed on September 11 in recognition of forest personnel who have died protecting forests and wildlife.
CM Sarma’s message on Thursday sought to underline that conservation is not only about protected areas and infrastructure, but also about the people who patrol forests, confront threats and work on the ground to keep Assam’s biodiversity secure.