Bolstering the line between development of indigenous community and biodiversity conservation, leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, in collaboration with Chandrasing Rongpi Memorial High School near Kaziranga National Park in Assam, successfully conducted a four-day ‘Advanced Electrical Wiring and Basic Plumbing Training’ for six participants during July 20 to 23 last at the Community Resource Centre, for empowering rural youth from Karbi Anglong with practical, market-oriented skills for sustainable livelihoods.
The training primarily benefited six Karbi youth from the Kohora and Diring areas, equipping them with technical expertise in advanced electrical wiring and basic plumbing to improve employability, encourage self-reliance and create alternative livelihood opportunities for them within their own communities.
Conducted by experienced electricians and plumbers, the programme combined theory sessions on electrical safety, wiring standards and plumbing fundamentals with extensive hands-on training covering advanced wiring techniques, household electrical installations and repairs, fault diagnosis, pipe fitting, leak repairs and basic plumbing maintenance.
Recognising that technical skills alone are not sufficient for entrepreneurship, the programme also included practical guidance on sourcing materials, pricing services and engaging with customers.
Upon successful completion of the training, every participant received a basic electrical and plumbing toolkit, enabling them to immediately apply their newly acquired skills and pursue self-employment opportunities.
By building local technical capacity, the initiative is expected to reduce communities’ dependence on external technicians while creating reliable income opportunities for rural youth.
Reflecting on the impact of the training, Welson Kramsa of Sarbura Singnar village said, “I used to depend on outside technicians for basic household repairs. This training has given me the confidence to safely handle electrical wiring, reduce repair costs, and earn additional income by offering these services in my community.”
Another participant, Prokash Engti of Englepothar, said, “Learning basic plumbing, leak repairs, and pipe fitting has shown me how practical technical skills can improve water access while creating a reliable source of daily income.”
Highlighting the broader significance of the initiative, Uttaran Dutta of Aaranyak said, “Our rural youth have immense potential but often lack the technical skills needed to turn it into sustainable livelihoods. Through hands-on training in electrical safety and basic plumbing, we are equipping them with practical, market-relevant skills that build confidence, meet local needs, and create opportunities for self-employment.”
The programme began with an introduction to its objectives by Swapan Nath, Principal of Chandrasing Rongpi Memorial High School. The technical sessions were facilitated by demonstrators Pradip Naidu, Rocky Enghi, and Shiva Tanti, while Semson Engti, a team member of Aaranyak, coordinated logistics and documentation throughout the training.
The training was conducted under the aegis of the Natural Resource Management Programme of Aaranyak based in the Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong Landscape and supported by IUCN-KfW, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Disney Conservation Fund.
