Barekuri Village In Assam Draws Attention For Its Bond With Hoolock Gibbons

An unusual and touching scene from Upper Assam has brought attention to the relationship between people and wildlife in the region.

A video shared by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on social media has left residents of Barekuri village in Tinsukia district pleased and encouraged.

The video shows a woman calling four hoolock gibbons down from a tree and feeding them bananas.

Barekuri is located about 7 kilometres from Tinsukia town and is known for its close interaction between humans and these primates.

Sharing the clip, the Chief Minister noted that the scene reflects a sense of care for nature and a strong cultural connection with wildlife.

Residents said they felt happy that their efforts to protect and care for the gibbons had been recognised.

The village had earlier received national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Barekuri and its gibbons in his radio programme Mann Ki Baat.

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The woman seen in the video has been identified as Dipti Bora, a resident of Tarajan village in the greater Barekuri area,

Interacting with the media, she said the recognition shows that both the people of the village and the state leadership value the presence of hoolock gibbons in the area.

Despite health challenges, she continues to feed the animals and maintain a green environment around her home.

Barekuri has earlier been honoured with the Assam Gaurav Award for its role in protecting hoolock gibbons.

It may be mentioned here that the locals here treat the animals with care and have planted fruit-bearing trees, especially banana plants, which form a key part of the gibbons’ diet.

The greater Barekuri area comprises 21 villages and is home to around 22 hoolock gibbons, living in five families.

Over time, the area has also developed into a rural tourism destination, attracting visitors, researchers, and documentary filmmakers interested in studying human-wildlife coexistence.

Villagers say they see the Hoolock Gibbons as part of their extended family.

Several residents regularly ensure that the animals are fed, even in difficult circumstances. This shared space between people and wildlife has become a defining feature of the area.

At the same time, some residents have raised concerns about the need for greater support from the government and relevant departments.

They believe more can be done to strengthen conservation efforts and improve tourism-related facilities in the region.

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