TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA | 5 JUNE 2026
Continuing with the action for Smritiban, memorial forests, this year dedicated to the Mothers of this society, we have organised an adoption of “small degraded forest land for eco restoration” at Bairvita at Pahargoomia Tea Estate, beside Manza river.
As a start, 50 saplings were planted in the reclaimed forest land by the river, another area below this land has been planned for grass plantation as elephant fodder. This is mainly to reduce Elephant-Human conflict in the area and holding elephants in an area for a longer time with food, and reducing their entry in villages.
Also, a football match for local youth was organized on this occasion. They were provided with diaries and tiffin. The Chief Guest, DFO, Kurseong Forest Division addressed the youths on elephants, their usefulness and the punishment for disturbing them with crackers or stone paddling or even making videos for social media disturbing their movement. The entire initiative is under the supervision and support of our Association for Conservation & Tourism (ACT) Ambassador, Padmashri Bhaichung Bhutia.
Along with the Kurseong Forest Division and our ACT members of Terai organized the entire program with preparation for last 3 days. Devesh Pandey said, “We are happy to initiate this Smritiban under the mentorship of the legend Bhaichung Bhutia, and we shall replicate this model all along Terai. This is an innovative initiative from ACT which we fully support, and will be able to bring ecotourism livelihood for local residents.”
Bhaichung Bhutia commented that, “We must not disturb elephants on the move just for fun, we must find out ways to reduce conflicts. We must promote more of sports to keep youths away from drugs.”
Raj Basu, Convenor of Association of Conservation of Tourism (ACT)Â highlighted that this Smritiban is a tested model for restoration and revival of forests in abandoned and occupied forest land. The Smritiban involves people in general to take ownership of conservation of nature. This helps villagers to keep the continuous access to pure water, air and soil. It is then only tourism can be promoted as local livelihood.” The Guests present today includes- Padmashree Bhaichung Bhutia Devesh Pandey, IFS Sudip Rakshit Andy Munda Prabir Biswas
The organizers present on the ground were Tannistha Roy Rakshit, Ritesh Mullick, Rikajyoti Singha Roy, Raj Basu etc.
All forest staff from Kurseong Forest Division. Ritesh Mullick ACT Terai Manza Smritiban Initiative.
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