Till 2018, the Bartika area, a known grazing land of about 320 bighas of land under Khumtai Assembly constituency in Golaghat district of the State, was lying ideal where wood cutters and encroachers would have a field day. Trees and bamboo felling, poaching of birds and small animals were regular happenings inside the once-rich semi forest. But things rapidly changed for the better for fauna and flora after MLA Mrinal Saikia started taking conservation measures.
“There were about 600 bighas of grazing land at Bartika. A good portion of the grazing land was under encroachment. As a first step, our MLA Mrinal Saikia managed to retrieve about 50 bighas of encroached land. Since 2018, he has been initiating several measures to save this semi-forest area. Finally, the results were for all to see when on March 17 this year Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma formally announced the creation of a village micro wildlife sanctuary in the already existing semi forest area,” Parag Borah, a leading social worker of greater Khumtai area, informed Asom Barta.
The Chief Minister during his visit launched a plantation drive of banyan saplings in line with the Government’s aim of development in sync with nature. Speaking on the occasion at three different functions held at Bartika, Adharsatra Senchowa Bapuji High School and Bhalukiting areas respectively, Dr. Sarma said the State Government was constantly working towards creating a green and clean ambience in the State where people are able to lead a healthy life.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated an office of the Bartika village micro wildlife sanctuary at Mudoi Gaon, an adjacent village.
Borah said that inside the forest area, there exists a several hundred-years-old ‘pond’ called Abhoyapukhuri, constructed during the reign of the Kachari dynasty, whose beautification drive has already begun.
“A tree museum has been developed near the pond. An orchidarium with a green house where efforts have been made to conserve different kinds of orchids that grow in vegetation and forest areas, is taking shape. This area is a Rural Tourism site where nature lovers are flocking to witness the beauty of this micro wildlife sanctuary,” he said.
Mrinal Khound, head master of Muhiram Hazarika High School at Mudoi Gaon, said that in his 25-years of teaching in the area, he has observed a heightened sense of consciousness among the villagers about protection and preservation of forest resources.
“Villagers here are nature lovers and conscious about protection of forest resources. With the Government’s declaration of Bartika as the State’s first village micro wildlife sanctuary, this consciousness will get a boost. I hope, Assam Government will carry out a similar drive across the State,” said Khound.
“I have seen various orchids in the greater Bartika area. This is different from the rest. A greenhouse has been developed here where cultivation of orchids is in full swing. It will attract botanists and researchers to this place. It is already an emerging tourist spot,” he added.
The local MLA has also drawn praises for his efforts.
“His efforts in getting Bartika the title of Assam’s first village micro wildlife sanctuary must be acknowledged. He has undertaken plantation and conservation drives. For example, when I needed some money to meet the expenses of my youngest daughter’s marriage, I decided to sell five SAM trees from my backyard. When our MLA came to know of this, he requested me not to go for tree felling and offered me financial assistance. Inspired by his passion, I gave up on my decision,” Kanak Barua (77) of Mudoi Gaon recalled his story while talking to this reporter.
Nabin Barua, president of Paschim Misamara Gaon Panchayat, said that in 1991, the then State Government had allotted some 300 bighas of land to the already existing 300 bighas of grazing land but in due course, encroachment became the order of the day.
Geetashri Barua (23), a student of Da-Dhara, declared as the cleanest village under Khumtai Assembly Constituency, is among the happiest ones in the village. “If you look around, you will spot plants and orchids, birds, and animals. These are unique to our areas. This is adding to the existing reputation of our village and the world is taking note,” she gushed.
