By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday stressed on the need to increase the areas under the protection of wild life in the State to protect biodiversity
The Minister made the statement during the observation of International day for biodiversity here at the U Soso Tham auditorium.
The programme was organised by the State Biodiversity Board in collaboration with Forest and Environment department.
While taking pride in asserting that Meghalaya has the highest forest cover in the country, Tynsong informed that the Government intends to strengthen State Biodiversity Board with a full-fledged chairman.
He said that the Government has created bio-reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in the state while adding that the Government is in the process of establishing one elephant reserve in Khasi Hills.
Later, prizes were also distributed to the winners and of the essay and painting competition which was participated by sixty schools.
During the function, Daniella Lamare, a Class XII student of BSF public school was awarded the best soldier of wild biodiversity conservation movement under junior category for rescuing a snake.
The similar award in senior category was also given to Khran Lyngdoh for rescuing a water monitor lizard in Ri Bhoi
Prestone Tynsong also released a book ‘Butterflies of the Garo Hills’ on the occasion.
Our Tura Correspondent adds: The Social Forestry Division, West Garo Hills, also organised a one-day Awareness Program themed, “Water and Bio-diversity”, in collaboration with the Integrated People for Tourism and Conservation (IPTAC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) of Tura Government College at Saint Claret Secondary School, Ampati, in South-West Garo Hills.
Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Shekar K Sangma, Joint Director, Soil and Water Conservation, urged the students in particular and the people of the area in general to strive towards restoration of the natural environment.