Prime Minister Modi Highlights Wildlife Conservation Successes in Assam
Wildlife Conservation Efforts in Assam
File image of pygmy hogs reintroduced into the wild under the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme. (AT Photo)
New Delhi, Sep 27: During the 138th episode of his monthly radio show Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significant wildlife conservation initiatives in Assam. He noted the successful return of elephants to their natural habitat after years of absence and the revival of the endangered pygmy hog population.
Modi underscored the critical role of environmental conservation, stating that such efforts enhance the ecosystems vital for sustaining life.
“By safeguarding the environment, we are not just preserving trees, plants, and wildlife; we are also fortifying the entire ecosystem that supports life. Various initiatives across the nation beautifully illustrate this sentiment,” he remarked.
Focusing on the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, PM Modi explained that the area had previously hosted elephants, but human encroachment had driven them away.
“Three years ago, we cleared this land of encroachments, and now we are witnessing remarkable outcomes. Elephants have returned to this forest, and herds are once again visible in areas where they had been absent for years,” he noted.
Additionally, PM Modi highlighted a conservation project aimed at protecting the pygmy hog, one of the smallest and rarest wild pigs, which faced severe survival threats in the past.
“Another commendable initiative in Assam focuses on saving the pygmy hog. At one time, its survival was in jeopardy. A conservation program began with just six pygmy hogs, which were relocated to the forest, and the grasslands they rely on were restored,” he explained.
According to PM Modi, this conservation initiative has yielded positive results, with the pygmy hog population now exceeding 190 individuals. “Thanks to this program, the pygmy hog numbers have significantly increased,” he added.
These examples from Assam, PM Modi concluded, illustrate that ongoing conservation efforts can effectively restore ecosystems and reintroduce threatened species to their former habitats.