Sri Saurav Borkataki popularly known as “Sarpa Bandhab” from Tezpur is a prominent social worker making significant contributions towards Wildlife, Nature and Social Awareness for the last 25 years. He has rescued many precious and endangered wild animals, which otherwise would have been killed by the public due to lack of awareness or would have died due to various reasons. He has been a prominent asset for the forest department, voluntarily taking part in mitigating human-elephant conflict, rescuing dangerous snakes from the residences of various citizens, rescuing Rhinos, Royal Bengal Tigress on 03 Aug 2016 and birds, healing wounded animals and also creating awareness to protect such species. As per forest department record, he has rescued more than 3000 snakes, 500 animals and treatment was provided to more than 300 species. During the pandemic, when everyone was scared and trying to save their lives by staying at home, without thinking twice about his life, he worked selflessly to help and rescue more than 280 animals during lockdown. He is self-employed and bear all the expenses on his own for such social work.

He has actively participated in tree plantation drives and have planted more than 1500 plants, recognised by the office of the Conservator of Forests, Govt. of Assam. He has revived many precious trees such as Nagchampa, which is very rare nowadays and self-planted them in different districts of Assam such as Nalbari, Biswanath, Sivasagar, Sonitpur etc. He has been appointed as an

“Observer” for conducting Wild Elephant Population Estimation 2017 in Assam

by the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife & Chief Wildlife Warden, Guwahati, Govt. of Assam dt. 20 Mar 2017.

He has been continuously creating awareness among the public by giving social messages and live demonstrations through Facebook that had a large impact on local citizens in protecting the species. He is popularly known for his Facebook page “Saurav Borkataki Sarpa Bandhab” with 61,000 followers which has brought much awareness to the public and helped many in saving their lives from the bites of venomous snakes. Due to his awareness, he saved an eight month old baby girl who was bitten by the highly venomous monocled cobra, story published at Assam Tribune on 13 July 2022. His social awareness is also covered by various local, regional and national newspapers and news channels including Indian Express, Ananda Bazar, Zee TV, NDTV etc.

For his notable efforts, The Assam State Government appointed him as the “Honorary Wildlife Warden” in 2018-20 and has received many other Local and State awards too.

List of Awards and Recognition:

1. Certificate of Appreciation awarded by Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary on 15 Dec 2009 for rescuing tortures from the illegal group.

2. Wildlife Activist awarded by Deputy Commissioner of Sonitpur, on the occasion of 64th Independent Day 2010.

3. Certificate of Appreciation during 56th Wildlife Week awarded by Forest Department, Govt. of Assam on 4th Oct 2010.

4. Certificate of Appreciation for rescuing Royal Bengal Tiger and Cobra snake awarded by Prasar Bharati, India’s Public Service Broadcaster, Tezpur on 15 Dec 2016.

5. Certificate of Appreciation for Man-Animal conflict awarded by Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Govt. of Assam on 26 January 2017.

6. Awarded Honorary Wildlife Warden, Sonitpur District by the office of the Conservator of Forests, Northern Assam Circle, Tezpur on 15 Aug 2018.

7. Special tweet of appreciation from Parimal Suklabaidya, Ex-Forest Minister of Assam on 24 Nov 2020.

8. Certificate of Appreciation for safeguarding Nameri National Park, Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary awarded by Divisional Forest Office Sonitpur West Division, Tezpur on 11 May 2021.

9. 260 Wild Animals Rescue Certificate during the lockdown awarded by Office of the Ranger Forest Officer, Tezpur on 09 July 2021.

10. Certificate of Appreciation for plantation of rare species plants awarded by Office of the District Museum, Tezpur on 19 July 2021.

11. Awarded 30+ other appreciation certificates from renowned organization including Assam Sahitya Sabha, Sonitpur Press Club, Assam Jubo Parishad, Janamad Chriduar Mouza, All Assam Student Union, Defence Research Laboratory, Airport Authority of India, Tezpur Law College, Tezpur Girls/ Boys High School, Sivasagar Dal Unnayan Parishad, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Assam Sena etc.