Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Chowna Mein has called upon the civil society to take responsibility for protecting and preserving nature, its flora and fauna, rivers and aquatic life.
He was attending a meeting held to discuss the preservation of the environment and maintenance of ecological balance with the district administration, HoDs, CBOs, NGOs, youth and student organisations of Namsai district at Chongkham Buddha Vihara Campus here on Saturday.
The meeting was convened by the Namsai district administration in view of the rampant destruction of forest resources and natural vegetation.
“The tribal way of life and the food habits revolve around mother nature. It is, therefore, equally important to protect and preserve mother nature and its rich vegetation, wildlife, rivers and aquatic life in order to maintain an ecological balance as well as to keep alive the rich cultures and traditions,” Mein said.
He also called upon the people to refrain from illegal hunting and fishing and maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the rivers.
While citing that our state is blessed with rich flora and fauna with huge forest coverage, we must strive to protect and preserve it, as it provides a great potential for natural tourisms like elephant ride, animal sighting, boat riding, etc.
The deputy chief minister said, “When tourists visit the state, there must be something left to show to them. Our pristine nature and its flora and fauna are the most beautiful things we can show to the visitors.”
He also requested the visitors to respect the shrine areas and to maintain the sanctity of the pagodas.
Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom said that along with the prevention of rampant destruction of vegetation, massive afforestation must also be taken up in order to maintain the rivers and underground water.
Chairing the meeting, Tai Khamti chief, Chow Khanseing Namchoom submitted a seven-point memorandum to the deputy chief minister.
The latter assured to look into the points phase-wise.
Proposing the upgrading of Chongkham EAC to ADC headquarters, he said that Chongkham is the oldest administrative headquarters of the district.
He also requested the posting of sufficient police personnel at the Chongkham police station and the establishment of a separate fire station at Chongkham.
Deputy commissioner R.K. Sharma said that indiscriminate destruction of nature and unregulated extraction of forest resources and rivers have posed a threat to the existence of cultures and traditions of local people of the area, which has necessitated such a meeting.