‘This Biological Park can be a place not only for amusement and recreation but a platform for engagement, especially with the youths, and to sensitise our youths and children in having empathy and responsibility towards our environment and wildlife’
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 27: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the first phase of the Meghalaya Biological Park at Umtrew in Ri-Bhoi district, marking the completion of a project that faced delays for nearly 24 years.
The inaugural programme was attended by Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Minister AL Hek, MLA Celestine Lyngdoh, Chief Advisor Lakhmen Rymbui, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests – Wildlife & Biodiversity SM Sahai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HOFF RS Gill, Principal Secretary, Forests & Environment Department Sampath Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Meghalaya Zoo Project Implementation Society PK Agrahari, et al.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma, expressing his satisfaction, said, “It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to inaugurate the first phase of the Meghalaya Biological Park, a project that took almost 24 years to complete since its inception due to various challenges. Although today’s inauguration is significant, much work remains to make this facility vibrant and fully functional.”
The chief minister also highlighted the incomplete components of the park, including ticketing counters, a cafeteria, souvenir shops and animal enclosures, but emphasised the importance of initiating its operations.
“This Biological Park can be a place not only for amusement and recreation but a platform for engagement, especially with the youths, and to sensitise our youths and children in having empathy and responsibility towards our environment and wildlife,” he said.
Sangma noted that the park provides a refuge for rescued animals or those unable to return to their natural habitat.
Stressing the government’s ecological vision, he said it was crucial to strike a balance between development and conservation.
Projects like this create space for wildlife while promoting awareness and responsibility, he said.
The chief minister also underscored the importance of reviving long-shelved projects and the role of data-driven strategies in conservation efforts.
He called for regular surveys and a database to monitor the state’s flora and fauna, stating, “Having a survey and a database using technology on the flora and fauna of the state will help conserve and protect environment and wildlife efficiently.”
He further addressed the issue of man-animal conflicts, attributing most cases to human encroachment into wildlife habitats.
Sangma also emphasised the need for mutual respect between humans and animals, and outlined plans to incentivise local communities in critical areas to promote coexistence while capitalising on eco-tourism opportunities.