NTPC Bongaigaon, in collaboration with the Haltugaon Forest Division and the Primate Research Centre, Northeast India, has launched a conservation project to protect the endangered Golden Langur by installing artificial canopy bridges in Kokrajhar district, Assam.

More About the News

• The Golden Langur Canopy Conservation Project aims to improve habitat connectivity in the Nadangiri–Baxamara–Amguri–Nayekgaon–Chakrashilla Forest Complex. 
• The project addresses the growing threat of habitat fragmentation caused by roads and human activities, enabling arboreal wildlife to move safely between forest patches.

Key Highlights

• The project was implemented during 2025–26 with financial support of ₹10 lakh from NTPC Bongaigaon under its Sustainable Development initiatives.
• It is spearheaded by the Haltugaon Forest Division in partnership with the Primate Research Centre, Northeast India.
• Six artificial canopy bridges have been installed to reconnect fragmented tree canopies and provide safe passage for golden langurs.
• Three camera traps have been installed to monitor wildlife movement and assess the effectiveness of the canopy bridges.
• The project also includes four wildlife awareness signages and the plantation of 2,000 native tree saplings to restore natural habitat connectivity.

About the Golden Langur

• The Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) is an Endangered primate listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• It is found mainly in western Assam and adjoining Bhutan.
• The species faces threats from habitat fragmentation, shrinking forest corridors and expanding road networks.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. With reference to the Golden Langur, consider the following statements:

1. It is primarily found in western Assam and adjoining Bhutan.
2. Artificial canopy bridges help improve habitat connectivity for this arboreal primate.
3. The species is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
(d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

The NTPC Bongaigaon-led canopy bridge project demonstrates how scientific innovation and institutional collaboration can strengthen the conservation of Assam’s endangered Golden Langur.