By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Following severe opposition from the traditional chiefs over the government’s decision to set up the ‘Elephant Reserve Forest’ in West and South West Khasi Hills joining Balpakram, the State Government has slowed down the project and directed its officials to hold proper discussions with the traditional chiefs on the matter.
“We have to go slow with this project as many traditional heads are against it and I have directed officials of the department to hold discussions with the traditional chiefs and make them aware about the future plan of the government,” Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong said here on Tuesday.
He was addressing the valedictory function of the Wildlife Week celebration 2012 held at All Saint’s Hall here on Tuesday.
Tynsong stated that the government is not intending to take over the lands belonging to the individuals but is proposing to launch a project which will benefit not only them but the future generation as well.
“This conception should change among the people and there should be a balance between human and wildlife because we have to think about our future generation,” he added.
The proposed project received opposition from various quarters including political parties, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), traditional heads of the state besides other local NGOs and local villagers. It may be reminded that during the recent concluded Autumn Session, the KHADC unanimously resolved to demand the State Government to revoke its notification declaring the various forest lands in West and South West Khasi Hills joining Balpakram as ‘Elephant Reserve Forest’.
On the other hand, the HSPDP stated that the elephant reserve was notified by the Government without consulting the people who own the land adding that since the government does not own the land, the decision cannot be taken arbitrarily by the Government.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary in charge of Forest and Environment, MS Rao, stressed on the need to follow a conservationist lifestyle while laying emphasis on community participation with special reference of the youth.
Reading out the message of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Rao said there is a need to bring about ecological integrity of the nation while pointing out the related challenges which included human intervention causing imbalance, habitat loss, climate change, unregulated hunting and poaching, use of pesticide and toxic chemicals besides others.
North east is considered as one of the hotspots in the country with Meghalaya occupying a special spot in the world map where large number of bird species, flora and fauna are found. However, with time, many of these species goes unrecorded, extinct and endangered.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests VK Nautiyal mentioned that there are large areas of vegetation in the State including forest areas which are home to large number of animal and plant species but with human intervention, many of these species are on the verge of extinction like the pitcher plant, found only in the State.
“There is a need to protect and preserve these species because by saving them, we are doing ourselves a favour which included providing support to human survival,” he added.
Tynsong and Chief Secretary WMS Pariat, who chaired the function, presented prizes to the winners of various competitions organised by the department as part of the Wildlife Week 2012 celebration.