Today was Earth Day, but a vital part of Assam's natural landscape had nothing to rejoice amid the customary functions and meets. Missing from the Earth Day celebrations was any information about the status of the region's wetlands, even though they sustain large communities and play a major role in environmental security.

Barpeta district administration organised a health mela on the Pashehim Paka Azad Memorial High School premises in Bhaktardaba from April 6 to 8 last. The mela was recently inaugurated by Minister of Agriculture Pramila Rani Brahma. In her inaugural speech, Brahma stated that the present government in the State led by Tarun Gogoi has taken special care for the healthcare of the backward areas of the State and it has taken keen interest to provide this essential service at the cheapest rate as well as to make them aware of the healthcare.

The four-day workshop on biotechnology organized jointly by the Biotechnology Department of Guru Charan College and Jagadish Bose, National Research Talent Search, Kolkata and sponsored by DoNER began today in the auditorium of the college. Prof. GD Sharma, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Assam University, inaugurated the workshop.

Joint Director of Health Dr A Neog said that seven persons had died of diarrhoea in the last 15 days in Jorhat district, though the unofficial toll has been put at something between 13 and 17. Dr Neog said that deaths from gastro-enteric reasons had occurred in Naginijan Tea Estate under the State-owned ATCL, Rajoi Division of Tata Tea Ltd and Umabari Tea Estate.

The Forest Department is looking to the Father of the Nation to put across a powerful message to protect the environment as it observes Earth Day here tomorrow. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi's words

As the monsoon season has come nearer the Lakhimpur district Water Resource Department has yet to repair the embankments, which were breached by the flood in the year 2007.

DERGAON

The Indian Society for the Study of Animal Reproduction, Assam branch, in collaboration with the State AH and Veterinary Department and World Bank project is organising a State-level seminar on

DHEKIAJULI

With the requisite expertise and manpower at its disposal, the State Zoo is toying with the idea of going for a scientific elephant enclosure that would not only help in managing the tuskers in captivity efficiently, but would also give the opportunity to the visitors to get a better look at the majestic creature.