CM Himanta Biswa Sharma said on World Rhino Day, after BJP came to power there has been a huge reduction in rhino poaching

Guwahati : On World Rhino Day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that rhino poaching has reduced drastically in Assam since the BJP came to power in the state. He gave this information while responding to a post made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platform X regarding World Rhino Day being celebrated on September 22. He said that under his leadership, the state's rhinos are safer than ever.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Thank you, Hon'ble Prime Minister! … Since the double engine government came to power in 2016, rhino poaching has reduced by 86 percent. We are very grateful for your commitment to promote and preserve our living heritage.” Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his post on 'X', “Today on World Rhino Day, let us reiterate our commitment to protect one of the most distinctive creatures of our planet – the rhino. Congratulations to all those involved in rhino conservation efforts over the past several years.”

Thank you, Hon’ble Prime Minister!

Under your leadership, Assam’s rhinos are safer than ever. Since the Double Engine government took charge in 2016, poaching has dropped by 86%. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to promoting and preserving our living heritage.

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 22, 2024

People were urged to visit Kaziranga

Prime Minister Narendra Modi further said in the post, “It is a matter of great pride that a large number of one-horned rhinoceroses live in India. I also remember my visit to Kaziranga in Assam and I urge all of you to visit there too.” Rhinos are found in several forests including Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Earlier in the day, Modi reiterated his government's commitment to protect this wildlife and praised the efforts of those involved in rhino conservation.

Today, on #WorldRhinoDaylet us reiterate our commitment to protect one of our planet’s most iconic species—rhinos. Compliments to all those involved in rhino conservation efforts over the last many years.

It is a matter of immense pride that India is home to a large number of… pic.twitter.com/VbUcQkeVZv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024

Not a single rhino was hunted in 2022

On the occasion, Environment and Forest Minister Chandramohan Patwari said that the Assam government is committed to strengthening anti-poaching measures, expanding protected areas and connecting with local communities who are called the true custodians of wildlife. The Assam Forest Department said in a post that the rhino population has increased in the last few years due to increased security and conservation measures. The department also said that the rhino population has increased from about 600 in the 1960s to over 3,000 now. Meanwhile, Director General of Police GP Singh said, “After almost half a century, 2022 is the first year when not a single rhino was poached in Assam.”

(With agency input)