Dihing Patkai Eco Discovery Centre opened in Digboi, to boost conservation efforts

Dibrugarh: In a major boost to environmental conservation efforts in the northeast, the Dihing Patkai Eco Discovery Centre and Bambusetum (sanctuary for bamboo conservation) was inaugurated at Digboi in Tinsukia district.

The facilities, established with an investment of Rs 2.29 crore, represents a major milestone in Oil India Limited (OIL)'s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative "OIL Vasundhara".

The state-of-the-art conservation centre and Bambusetum was formally inaugurated on Wednesday by Digboi MLA Suren Phukan in the presence of Tinsukia DC Swapneel Paul, OIL executive director (finance & accounts) Rupam Barua, divisional forest officer Ranjith Ram and senior officials from both OIL and the forest department.

The centre features interactive exhibits, detailed informational panels, and immersive displays, highlighting the unique ecosystem of Assam's rainforests. Designed as an educational hub, the facility will provide hands-on learning experiences for students, researchers and conservation enthusiasts.

"Dihing Patkai region, often referred to as the ‘Amazon of the East' has faced various conservation challenges in recent years. The new centre will raise awareness about these issues and also promote sustainable solutions. The centre represents our commitment to preserving Assam's rich biodiversity and creating educational opportunities for future generations," MLA Phukan said.

Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, DC Paul said, "The Dihing Patkai Eco Discovery Centre will serve as a model for similar conservation efforts across Assam. By combining educational outreach with active conservation work, we're creating a template for sustainable development that others can emulate. The centre will play a pivotal role in educating the younger generation about conservation and sustainable practices."

On the other hand, the newly established Bambusetum, spread across 2 hectares of land, houses approximately 50 species of bamboo collected from various regions of India with technical support from the Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI) Jorhat. The specialised conservation facility aims to preserve indigenous bamboo species, advance research initiatives and promote educational awareness about the ecologically vital plant group. The Bambusetum component is particularly significant as it focuses on bamboo, a plant with immense ecological and economic importance in the northeast.

"Bamboo is not just culturally significant for Assam but plays a critical role in our ecosystem. This collection of 50 species will serve as a living laboratory for researchers studying bamboo's adaptability, growth patterns, and potential applications," DFO Ranjith Ram said.