Bongaigaon, August 5, 2026: In a significant step towards conserving the endangered golden langur and its habitat, the Wildlife Trust of India, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and supported by the Royal Enfield Social Mission, organized a Community-Led Plantation Programme at Amtola, a fringe village adjoining the Bamungaon Hills under the Aie Valley Division in Bongaigaon district on Wednesday.

The programme was chaired by Shri Bhupen Ray, Hon’ble MLA of Abhayapuri Legislative Assembly Constituency, as the Chief Guest. Shri Khanindra Kalita, AFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Aie Valley Division, Shri Shankar Ray, Forest Ranger, Abhayapuri Range, officials from the Wildlife Trust of India and the Assam Forest Department, village leaders, local stakeholders and local community members were also present at the event.

Community plantation drive for golden langur habitat conservation | Photograph by Dhanjit Baruah/WTI

As part of the initiative, more than 500 native saplings were planted to strengthen the habitat of the endangered golden langur. The plantation drive is aimed at enhancing habitat connectivity, improving forest cover, and supporting long-term conservation of golden langur in the Bamungaon Hills landscape.

Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries highlighted the importance of community participation in protecting forests and wildlife. They emphasized that restoring degraded habitats through native tree plantation is vital for ensuring the long-term survival of the golden langur and other wildlife species that depend on these forests.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, showcasing the community’s growing commitment towards environmental conservation. By actively involving local communities in the plantation program, the initiative seeks to foster a sense of ownership and strengthen collective responsibility for safeguarding the region’s rich biodiversity.

The plantation programme is part of the ongoing conservation initiatives undertaken by the Wildlife Trust of India and the Assam Forest Department to secure and restore critical golden langur habitats through collaborative, community-driven conservation efforts. WTI’s Greater Manas Recovery Project envisions conservation action hat extends beyond the boundaries of Manas National Park to the larger, interconnected forest ecosystem.