Raincoats handed out to forest personnel at Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagaon: In a meaningful humanitarian gesture aimed at supporting the frontline guardians of Assam’s forests, LASA Share & Care and the Society of Cardiovascular Health (SOCH), in collaboration with Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary under the Nagaon Forest Division, came together to distribute raincoats to forest staff. The initiative was aimed at bolstering the efforts of forest personnel in monitoring and protecting wildlife, especially during the harsh and unpredictable monsoon season. The distribution ceremony took place in the Garajan Range at Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary on May 12 and was graced by senior officials from the Assam Forest Department, including Divisional Forest Officer, Nagaon Forest Division and Range Officer, Garajan Range and over 80 raincoats were distributed. The raincoats were handed over by representatives of SOCH and LASA Share & Care: Dr. Leena Baruah, Dr. Neil Bardoloi, Manash Baruah, Neena Bardoloi and Arnab Jyoti Das. Speaking at the event, Dr. Leena Baruah, Secretary, LASA Share & Care highlighted the importance of civil society’s role in supporting environmental causes. “We believe in standing by those who protect our natural heritage. This initiative is a small step towards recognizing their dedication and ensuring their well-being,” she noted. Dr. Neil Bardoloi expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the conservation efforts by supporting the forest staff who are often the first line of defence for Assam’s forests and wildlife. “We are happy to be able to contribute in a small way to the conservation efforts by empowering the frontline staff. By providing these raincoats, we aim to ensure that the forest staff can carry out their duties with greater comfort and safety during the rainy months,” he said. He went on to add that a free medical health camp for the benefit of the forest staff has also been planned for the near future. The DFO, Nagaon Forest Division, along with the Range Officer of Garajan lauded the initiative, calling it a thoughtful and timely gesture. They extended their gratitude to LASA Share & Care and SOCH, noting that the raincoats would significantly aid the day-to-day operations of field personnel, especially during Assam’s long and intense monsoon season. “Such partnerships between civil society and forest departments are key to sustainable conservation. This kind of support uplifts the morale of our staff and strengthens our collective mission to safeguard wildlife,” the DFO remarked. The event symbolized a growing synergy between health organizations, social service groups, and conservation authorities, underlining a holistic approach to environmental protection that considers both human and ecological well-being.