Human greed a threat to their own existence: Mike Pandey
Shillong: Eminent environmentalist and noted film maker Mike Pandey has said that humans have triggered the extinction of different species and resources which are their life support systems.
Speaking at an Open House discussion on the wildlife scenario in Meghalaya, held at the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides Hall, here, Pandey lamented that the human race is driven by greed for more which is not only threatening the earth but even their own existence.
Stating that humans need to be the catalyst of change, he stressed on the need for different stakeholders to work together to protect the environment.
The programme was organized with the initiative to push for conservation and protection of wildlife in Meghalaya and in the process push for a Wildlife Policy in the State.
Pandey said that the entire sacred forests should be revived, besides every city should have watch guards to protect the environment. He, however, seemed satisfied that Meghalaya was still intact as far as environmental degradation is concerned.
While stating that the youths need to be trained by the Government to protect the environment, he said that the hills of Meghalaya should not be plundered since people here need it for their survival.
He also revealed that the situation is alarming and everyday 176 species are getting extinct due to accelerated human activities.
The Open House started off with MLCU Pro Chancellor Dr. Glenn C Kharkongor giving an overview on the wildlife scenario of the State.
He informed the house that Meghalaya at the moment has two National Parks – Balpakram National Park and Nokrek Biosphere Reserve – three wildlife sanctuaries – Siju Bird Sanctuary, Nongkhyllem Sanctuary and Saipung Wildlife Sanctuary and 9496 sq. km. of dense forest land which houses 110 different species of mammals.
Later, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, T.T.C. Marak, while giving a highlight of the reserves and sanctuaries in the State said that the main obstacle in conservation and protection of wildlife was the lack of a proper comprehensive land mapping.
He added that the need of the hour was to set up community reserves which will enable a community based initiative and will in turn help the community learn respect for wildlife and environment.
Pandey, while responding to Marak’s views, acknowledged the importance of sacred groves and their effectiveness in conserving the environment while adding that the sacred groves should be revived on a large scale.
He said that for any tribal community, livelihood concerns are a major challenge because these people sustain themselves from the forests. “But people should not get greedy and should maintain balance of nature”.
Toki Blah, president of ICARE, stressed on the need of a Wildlife Policy in the State and added that the issue of conserving the natural habitat of the wild species in the State should be brought to the forefront and awareness should be created.
“For those who sustain themselves from the forest, an alternative has to be found where our villagers can still earn their livelihood without causing harm to the environment,” said Blah.
Local environmentalist, H.H. Mohrmen informed the house that encroachment into the Narpuh Reserve Forest is on the rise and the area of the reserve forest was getting smaller by the day.
He added that an umbrella organization should be formed to bring issues of wildlife conservation in the public platform.
Pandey added that conflicts of wildlife and its issues are on the lowest rung of the list of people’s concerns. “These issues should be brought forward so that people are aware of the harm we are causing to our nature,” he said.
Aiban Swer, MIG officer on special duty, offered to help in the conservation of wildlife in Meghalaya by initiating mapping of the wildlife species and resources of the State.
Prof. Antanu Bhattacharjee, NEHU, applauded the efforts of MLCU in opening up the path towards drafting a proposal for a Wildlife Policy in the State.
MLCU Vice Chancellor, R.G. Lyngdoh, reiterated on the fact that the need to strengthen the link between nature and humans is the need of the hour, “and we cannot just depend on the traditional authorities to create a safe haven for wildlife in the State”.
In conclusion the house decided that a proposal would be drafted for a Wildlife Policy with the involvement of the civil society and other stakeholders.
While giving the concluding address, Pandey, stressed that humans don’t have the strength to survive on their own and respecting and loving the natural world is the only way that the earth and its inhabitants will sustain in the future.
Others who attended the Open House discussion included Meghalaya caver Brian D. Kharpran, Editor of The Shillong Times Patricia Mukhim, environmentalist Naba Bhattacharjee, and a host of other dignitaries.