‘People play crucial role in protecting wildlife’

NONGPOH/JOWAI: There is a need for active participation of people in protecting and preserving the wildlife in Meghalaya as most of the species of flora and fauna are on the brink of extinction due to hunting and poaching, said Principal Chief Conservator of Forest BK Lyngwa on Monday.
Addressing a gathering at a function organised to mark the conclusion of Wildlife Week in Nongpoh, Lyngwa said, “It is through active participation of the people of the state that most of the animals were rescued in several villages in the recent past.”
He added that the government has implemented various schemes in rural areas to encourage villagers to preserve wildlife. During the function, awards were given to those who played key roles in wildlife rescue.
In Jowai, the week-long celebration concluded on Monday at a valedictory function held at the District Library Auditorium. Chairman of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board CP Marak said people in Jaintia Hills should be proud to have the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary and the first eco-sensitive zones in the state.
Marak added that there should be a balance between development and the eco-system.