Udalguri-Sonitpur, April 4: Engineer Muhsinur Rahman from Napam in Sonitpur district has carved a distinct identity beyond his profession, earning recognition as a committed environmental conservationist through years of grassroots initiatives.
Balancing a demanding career, Rahman demonstrated that dedication to social causes can transcend professional constraints. In 2013, he founded a voluntary organisation, Society For Social Service, in the Napam area and assumed its presidency. Under his leadership, the group carried out extensive plantation drives across schools, public institutions and roadside areas, contributing to improved green cover in parts of Sonitpur.
His engagement in conservation deepened after collaborating with noted snake rescuer Sourav Barkotoki from Tezpur. The partnership led to multiple wildlife rescue efforts, where injured animals were saved and rehabilitated with support from the Forest Department. Rahman has also played a proactive role in addressing human-elephant conflict, organising awareness programmes in regions such as Tezpur, Dhekiajuli, Chariduar and Rangapara to promote coexistence.
He has undertaken targeted ecological interventions, including bamboo plantation in forest areas like Bhomoraguri to support elephant habitats, along with planting banana trees and other vegetation to reduce conflict zones. At present, Rahman serves as secretary of the Tezpur-based organisation “Prokriti” and holds the position of vice-president in the Sarpabandhab Sourav Barkotoki Team, one of Assam’s largest snake rescue groups.
In recognition of his contributions, he was honoured by the Forest Department on January 26, 2018, and was also conferred the title of “Sarpabandhu” by the rescue team. His sustained efforts in conservation and community awareness continue to position him as an influential figure promoting environmental responsibility in the region.
