Guwahati: Amid repeated vulture deaths caused by poisoning, habitat loss, and the felling of tall nesting trees, the Assam forest department and Assam Forest School, Jalukbari, with support from conservation NGO Aaranyak, have launched a vulture conservation initiative in Kamrup district. The programme includes a large-scale plantation and distribution drive of tree species preferred by vultures for nesting.Around 1,500 saplings — including Simalu, Jamun, Kadam, and other fruit-bearing trees — are being planted at strategic locations across the district since last week. Officials said on Sunday these sites were chosen to help the vulture population recover by restoring suitable nesting habitats.These tall trees, often used by vultures for nesting, have become a symbol of hope. Conservationists said the saplings may take about 15 years to mature but emphasised that initiating the effort was crucial.The awareness and sapling distribution programme, titled Vulture Conservation Sankalp Yatra, was jointly organised by Assam Forest School and Aaranyak at five places in Kamrup — Chaturbhuj Lengta Satra in Mirza, Bankhi Gopal Than in Rani, Bamunigaon, Amtola, and Dorabeel.The event was attended by Dimpi Borah, conservator of forest (research, education & working plan); Asom Gaurav awardee Dharanidhar Boro; Priyasa Saikia, director of Assam Forest School; Juran Ali Ahmed, DFO (genetics Division); DipankarLahkar, senior conservation biologist at Aaranyak; and community leaders known as Sagun Mitra (friends of vultures).Borah highlighted the importance of community participation in conservation and urged local residents to join plantation activities. “Protecting native plant species directly contributes to ecosystem health and successful vulture conservation,” she said.Lahkar stressed the ecological importance of vultures and the need to plant native species such as Arjun, Simalu, and fruit-bearing trees that support vulture habitats and strengthen biodiversity. He said habitat restoration through plantation drives is vital for the long-term survival of these essential scavengers.Kamrup district, one of the worst affected by vulture deaths, saw enthusiastic participation from local communities. The awareness programme drew residents to religious institutions such as satras, naamghars, and community centres, where around 1,500 saplings were distributed. Species such as Simalu, Kadam, Silikha, Jamun, and Sonaru were chosen because they serve as nesting sites for vultures like the slender-billed vulture and white-rumped vulture.Priyasa Saikia underlined the importance of collective action to protect vultures for future generations, while Dharanidhar Boro, a retired senior forest official, shared experiences from his conservation journey and recited a self-written poem on plants and nature, inspiring a deeper emotional connection with the environment.
