UDALGURI-SONITPUR, Oct 9: A forest officer posted at Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur district has developed an unusual handicraft art form using fallen thorns of the Indian Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum rhetsa), exploring ways to link creative expression with nature conservation and livelihood generation.
Krishna Das, a 37-year-old Deputy Ranger of the Assam Forest Department, has named the miniature creations “Palmed Handicraft”. Made from naturally fallen thorns, the intricate pieces depict temples, wildlife and cultural symbols. One of his notable works portrays Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva reading the religious text Gunamala.
Das developed an interest in drawing during childhood and once aspired to become an artist. After joining the Forest Department as a Forester in 2012, he continued to pursue his artistic interests alongside his official duties. His idea of turning fallen thorns into handicrafts took shape around 2019–20, after he became acquainted with the Indian Prickly Ash tree.
Beyond their artistic and cultural value, the creations could offer livelihood opportunities to people living in forest-fringe areas. Das believes local residents could be trained in the craft, allowing them to generate income by using naturally discarded materials.
He has also highlighted the potential for scientific cultivation of the Indian Prickly Ash to establish natural barriers around agricultural fields, tea gardens, residential areas and protected forests. Such plantations could help define boundaries between forests and human settlements.
Given the continuing concern over human-elephant conflict in Assam, Das said the possible role of the species in strengthening forest boundaries and supporting wildlife movement corridors required scientific assessment and planning.
The initiative has already received state-level recognition in the “Community Engagement” category for “Palmed Handicraft” (Thorn Art). The recognition was conferred at the closing ceremony of the 72nd Wildlife Week at the Damodardev International Auditorium, Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati.
