Guwahati, July 26: Meghalaya Forest Department has launched an intensive awareness programme along the Indo-Bangladesh border, engaging border security forces and local communities in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
Led by Ms. N. Laloo, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Jaintia Hills Wildlife Division, the three-day initiative (July 21–24) focused on the amended Wildlife (Protection) Act, 2022, and identification of species commonly targeted in trafficking networks.
The programme was held at key border points—Dawki and Umkiang BSF Border Outposts, as well as the Lungwalieh Panaliar Community Hall in Jowai—drawing participation from over 60 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and 24 community members.
Aaranyak, one of India’s leading biodiversity conservation organisations, supported the initiative through its Legal and Advocacy Division (LAD), offering technical expertise. Sessions were delivered by Dr. Jimmy Borah, Deputy Director of LAD, along with Binita Baruwati, Ivy Farheen Hussain, and Bijit Boro, who trained participants on wildlife species identification, legal provisions, and community-based protection strategies.
“Proper implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act is vital for biodiversity conservation,” said Ms. Laloo, highlighting the need for frontline enforcement agencies to recognise species involved in the illegal trade. “We value the BSF’s critical role in protecting our borders and curbing wildlife crime.”
The programme also underscored the ecological impact of poaching and trafficking while encouraging local communities to play an active role in reporting wildlife crimes.
This collaborative push—uniting enforcement, education, and community action—marks a significant step in strengthening Meghalaya’s response to illegal wildlife trade, especially in ecologically sensitive border areas.
