BHALUKPONG, 3 Oct: Khellong Forest Division observed the 72nd Wildlife Week 2026 with theme "Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife," by organizing a series of conservation, awareness and community-oriented activities across its ranges.

As part of the celebrations, Bhalukpong Forest Range organized a cleanliness drive on 2 October, covering 47-km stretch from the Bhalukpong Forest Check Gate to Nechiphu Tunnel along the BCT Highway. The drive covered Bhalukpong, Tippi and elephant flat and Sessa, with special focus on tourist and environmentally sensitive locations including Lummum and Saddle waterfalls.

Approximately two truckloads of litter and plastic waste were collected and transported to Tippi for disposal.

The Khellong Forest Division DFO and Bhalukpong assistant commissioner also joined the cleaning drive.

At Rowta Forest Range, awareness signboards were installed along the approximately 4-km road leading to Demachang village. The signboards highlight elephant presence in the area, safety precautions and the importance of human-wildlife coexistence, encouraging commuters to remain alert while travelling through elephant habitats.

Under Foothills Forest Range, solar-powered electric fencing was installed at Doimara village, located within Doimara Reserve Forest.

The intervention aims to enhance the safety of local communities and promote peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife as the village, comprising around 25 households, experiences recurring human-elephant conflict.

The Seijosa Forest Range organized a 10-km mini marathon with enthusiastic participation of around 50 participants. The top performers were felicitated with trophies, cash prizes and certificates. Special prizes were also awarded to encourage participation across different age groups and genders.

At Amortala Forest Range, Wildlife Week celebrations commenced at Balemu Middle School with a drawing competition, wildlife awareness programme and plantation drive. Students were felicitated for their creativity and active participation in the programme.

Namorah Forest Range conducted a wildlife awareness programme at Dipik Primary School, sensitizing students and teachers on the importance of wildlife and the need to protect forests and wildlife.