THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BONGAIGAON, JULY 21, 2026

Strengthening its commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation, NTPC Bongaigaon has supported an innovative initiative to protect the endangered Golden Langur by establishing artificial canopy bridges in the Nadangiri–Baxamara–Amguri–Nayekgaon–Chakrashilla Forest Complex of Kokrajhar district.

The project, titled "Establishing Artificial Canopy Bridges as Road Overpass and Linking Populations of Endangered Golden Langur through Village Corridor in Nadangiri–Baxamara–Amguri–Nayekgaon–Chakrashilla Forest Complex, Kokrajhar, Assam, India," was implemented during FY 2025–26 with financial assistance of ₹10 lakh from NTPC Bongaigaon under its Sustainable Development initiatives. It was carried out in collaboration with the Haltugaon Forest Division and the Primate Research Centre, North-East India, bringing together institutional support, scientific expertise and field-level conservation measures for the long-term protection of the species.

The Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei), one of the world's rarest primates, is found mainly in western Assam and neighbouring Bhutan. The species faces mounting threats from habitat fragmentation, shrinking forest corridors and expanding road networks. As forest canopies become increasingly disconnected, these arboreal primates are often forced to descend to the ground to cross roads, exposing them to vehicular collisions, injuries and other human-induced risks.

To address this challenge, six artificial canopy bridges have been installed at strategically identified locations across the forest landscape to reconnect fragmented tree canopies and provide a safe aerial passage for Golden Langurs and other tree-dwelling wildlife. The intervention is expected to improve habitat connectivity, reduce road-related mortality and facilitate the safe movement of langurs between isolated forest patches. Improved connectivity is also expected to support genetic exchange between separated populations, an important factor for the long-term survival and ecological resilience of the endangered species.

As part of the project, three camera traps have been installed at selected locations to scientifically monitor wildlife movement and assess the utilisation of the canopy bridges. The monitoring system will help researchers document langur movement, study behavioural patterns, evaluate the effectiveness of the bridges and generate valuable data to support future conservation planning and habitat management.

The initiative has also included the installation of four wildlife awareness and road-safety signages along critical stretches of the corridor to encourage motorists to reduce speed while passing through ecologically sensitive areas. The signages are expected to enhance awareness among local communities and road users about the presence of Golden Langurs and the need to protect their habitat.

In another important component of the project, 2,000 saplings of native tree species have been planted across the project area to enhance green cover, restore habitat and gradually strengthen natural canopy connectivity within the landscape.

The integrated conservation initiative combines wildlife-friendly infrastructure, scientific monitoring, habitat restoration and public awareness to achieve long-term conservation outcomes while encouraging greater participation of local communities and stakeholders in safeguarding the region's rich biodiversity.

The Golden Langur Canopy Conservation Project demonstrates how collaboration between a public sector enterprise, the Forest Department and scientific institutions can offer practical and science-based solutions to complex conservation challenges. The initiative is expected to make a significant contribution towards protecting one of Assam's most distinctive and endangered primate species for future generations.

The project also reflects NTPC Bongaigaon's broader commitment to responsible and sustainable development. Alongside its core responsibility of generating reliable power for the nation, the station continues to support meaningful environmental and community development initiatives across Kokrajhar and the Bodoland Territorial Region, reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen committed to conservation and sustainable growth.