Star Cement Announces Plans to Reconstruct Kaziranga’s Daflang and Mahimiri Watch Towers as a Rongali Bihu Gift to Assam
Why in News?
- Star Cement has announced a heartening initiative to rebuild the Daflang and Mahimiri watch towers in Kaziranga National Park. The project, launched in partnership with park authorities, aims to boost conservation efforts and eco-tourism during Assam’s vibrant Rongali Bihu festival, enhancing visitor experiences while safeguarding the park’s biodiversity.
Important Key Points:
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Kaziranga Conservation Efforts:
Star Cement will rebuild two watch towers, Daflang and Mahimiri, inside Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the majority of the world’s one-horned rhinoceroses. -
Boosting Anti-Poaching and Wildlife Monitoring:
The towers will aid in wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching initiatives, protecting key species such as rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers, and Asiatic elephants. -
Eco-Tourism Enhancement:
The towers will feature eco-friendly materials and modern surveillance tools, offering elevated platforms for tourists to safely observe wildlife, contributing to eco-tourism during the Rongali Bihu festival season. -
Commitment to Assam’s Legacy:
Pradeep Purohit, COO of Star Cement, emphasized the project’s alignment with the Rongali Bihu spirit of renewal, celebrating Assam’s natural heritage and fostering sustainable development. -
Significance of Watch Towers:
Watch towers have been a key part of Kaziranga’s conservation efforts since its establishment in 1905. The park’s rhino population has grown from 366 in 1966 to over 2,600 by 2022, aided by effective use of these towers in monitoring floodplains and combating poaching. -
Modernized Infrastructure:
The rebuilt towers will include advanced monitoring systems, shaded viewing areas, and educational signage, deepening tourist engagement with the park’s wildlife and supporting the local economy. -
Community Impact:
By supporting Kaziranga, Star Cement is helping local communities, particularly those dependent on eco-tourism during the Bihu season, thus contributing to sustainable development in Northeast India.
