Assam Forest School, Jalukbari and Balipara Foundation Lead Plantation Drive for Vultures in Kamrup District
Marking International Vulture Awareness Day on 6th September 2025, Assam Forest School, Jalukbari, under the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Assam, and the Balipara Foundation, with the support of community representatives of Bikrampur village organised a plantation and sapling distribution drive at the Rani Range, along the Bikrampur to Nalapara road in Kamrup (M), to support vulture conservation through the creation of green habitats.
A total of 100 saplings were planted along the roadside to serve as nesting and roosting spaces for vultures, while an additional 100 fruit-bearing saplings were distributed to community members in Bikrampur village to promote local stewardship in conservation.
The initiative brought together more than 50 community members and was graced by the presenceof Dimpi Bora (IFS), Director of Assam Forest School, along with Shri Nirod Kumar Sut, Asstt Conservator of Forests, Assam Forest School, the Range Officer and Beat Officer of Rani Range, and other officials from Assam Forest School and the Balipara Foundation.
Speaking on the important initiative, Dimpi Bora, IFS, Director, Assam Forest School highlighted that in recent years, the vulture population has seen a significant decline, mainly due to poisoning incidents across Kamrup district and the loss of natural habitats.
“Our latest initiative, in collaboration with the Balipara Foundation, focuses on avenue plantations of Simolu saplings to restore and conserve vulture roosting habitats while raising awareness about their protection. At the Assam Forest School, we also maintain a dedicated nursery, where we have nurtured nearly 10,000 saplings of tree species preferred by vultures for roosting, including Simolu, Arjun, andBhomora,” she added.
Ranjit Barthakur, Founder Forester of Balipara Foundation, emphasized the vital role of vultures in maintaining ecological balance. “Vultures are nature’s guardians – scavengers that restore balance to our planet. Protecting their habitats and engaging local communities ensures a future where people and wildlife coexist in harmony. May they continue to soar high, and may their populations rise once again,” he said.
Adding the community’s perspective, Mr. Dharmendra Rabha, President, Bikrampur Village, said:“I am grateful to the Assam Forest Department and the Balipara Foundation for this initiative. Planting saplings, especially Simolu, will help bring back species we rarely see now, like vultures and storks. This stretch of road has no tall trees, and these plantations will create much-needed nesting and roosting spaces for birds, while also offering shade and resting places for our community.”
This initiative reflects the power of community engagement, institutional collaboration, and on-ground action in conserving vultures and their habitats. By combining awareness, practical interventions, and local stewardship, Assam Forest School and Balipara Foundation continue to work towards a future where vultures, biodiversity, and communities thrive together.
