On August 17, 2025, a historic milestone was celebrated in the heart of Assam’s Majuli island. A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the ancient Chorai Chung bird sanctuary, originally established in 1633 by Ahom king Swargadeo Pratap Singha, marking nearly 400 years of ecological and cultural preservation.
This event brought together environmentalists, local leaders, historians, and community members in a unified voice to preserve and protect Majuli’s rich biodiversity and centuries-old legacy.
A Living Legacy Since 1633
Majuli, the world’s largest river island, is not just a cultural and spiritual hotspot but also an ecological treasure. The Chorai Chung bird sanctuary, nestled amid the lush wetlands of the island, was set up by Ahom royalty as a haven for migratory and indigenous birds.
Swargadeo Pratap Singha, a visionary ruler, dedicated this sanctuary as a symbol of coexistence between human settlements and wildlife. For centuries, this ecosystem has provided a safe haven for species like lesser adjutant storks, openbill storks, ruddy shelducks, and black-necked cranes, among others.
Cultural Heritage Meets Environmental Urgency
During the plaque unveiling ceremony, local MLA Pranab Borthakur emphasized,
“The Chorai Chung bird sanctuary isn’t just about birds—it’s about our identity. It reflects the harmony between culture and nature that Majuli has stood for.”
The event also included traditional Sattriya dance performances, tree plantation drives, and awareness workshops on sustainable birdwatching and wetland conservation.
With rapid climate change and river erosion threatening Majuli, the spotlight on heritage-based conservation is more urgent than ever. The sanctuary, though lesser-known on a national scale, serves as a living classroom for ecological balance and indigenous knowledge systems.
Reviving Traditional Conservation Practices
For generations, local communities have protected Chorai Chung through oral traditions, community vigilance, and seasonal festivals that discourage hunting and habitat disturbance.
Environmental NGO Save Majuli Now, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department, has pledged to:
- Digitize historical records of the sanctuary
- Promote eco-tourism initiatives in Majuli
- Launch bird census programs starting October 2025
- Involve school children in monthly awareness walks and educational sessions
“We want to blend science with tradition,” said Dr. R. Borah, a leading ornithologist based in Guwahati. “Chorai Chung’s story is unique—it predates all formal bird reserves in India. It’s time we put it on the conservation map.”
Why Chorai Chung Needs Your Attention
While India has over 550 wildlife sanctuaries, very few can claim a history spanning nearly four centuries. Yet, Chorai Chung remains under-documented and underfunded.
Key threats to the sanctuary include:
- Annual flooding by the Brahmaputra River
- Encroachment due to population growth
- Lack of infrastructure for sustainable eco-tourism
- Absence of formal protection under national conservation laws
This initiative to honor the sanctuary is just the beginning. There are calls to grant Chorai Chung the status of a Community Reserve, which would unlock funding and legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act.
How You Can Help Preserve Chorai Chung
If you’re a bird lover, ecotourist, or simply care about India’s natural heritage, here’s how you can contribute:
- Visit Majuli responsibly and support local eco-tour guides.
- Spread awareness about Chorai Chung on social media using the hashtag #SaveChoraiChung.
- Write to your local representatives urging for legal protection of community conservation areas.
- Donate or volunteer with organizations like Save Majuli Now and BNHS India working in Northeast India.
READ MORE: Injured Elephant Sparks Conflict Near Assam’s Amchang Reserve
The unveiling of the commemorative plaque at Chorai Chung is more than a nod to the past—it’s a wake-up call for the future. As Assam and the Northeast continue to grapple with ecological challenges, protecting historical sanctuaries like Chorai Chung is vital not only for the birds that nest here but for the culture and identity of an entire region.
