Aaranyak, a premier biodiversity conservation organisation, recently organised a health camp and a field gear distribution programme in Majuli River Island district of Assam to boost the morale of forest staff and Village Defence Party (VDP) members facing monsoon challenges.
The health camp, held on July 10 at the Divisional Forest Office in Garmur, was organised in collaboration with the district health department and the Rhino Research and Conservation Division (RRCD) of Aaranyak. The camp focused on promoting preventive health awareness and supporting the well-being of frontline staff and local community members.
A total of 68 individuals, including 45 frontline forest staff and 23 local community members, benefited from the health camp. The medical team from the District Health Department, led by Dr. Dimpi Pegu, conducted general health examinations and consultations, and distributed essential medicines to participants.
The field gear distribution programme, aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency during wildlife protection and emergency response activities, was also organised for frontline forest personnel and VDP members. Sixty rechargeable torch lights and 60 raincoats were distributed, with 30 sets provided to frontline staff of the Majuli Forest Division and an equal number distributed among VDP members.
The programme was attended by dignitaries, including Abhijeet Dolley, Range Officer of Majuli Forest Division, and Somalin Subhadarsini, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Majuli. The SSP highlighted the need for strong collaboration among the Forest Department, Police Department, local communities, and conservation organisations to safeguard Majuli’s natural heritage.
Both initiatives were coordinated and organised by Aaranyak, with support from Zoo Berlin, Disney, and the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). The organisation’s continued efforts in supporting frontline personnel through capacity-building and welfare initiatives were appreciated by the SSP.
