Emphasizes on increasing animal species in Zoological Park, Rangapahar
Kohima, August 25 (MExN): Nagaland Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Neiba Kronu held a joint meeting with the four villages surrounding Intangki National Park in Peren district on August 24.
Interacting with the Goan Buras, Village Council Chairmen and elders of Beisumpuikam, Jalukiekam, Jalukiezangdi and Manglumukh in the presence of Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland at Intangki National Park, Kronu viewed that Nagaland is rich in natural biodiversity but expressed serious concern over the protection of the only National Park in the state.
Stating that the park is the only means to put the State into the World Forest Map, Kronu maintained that Intangki – having an area of 202 square km – can be converted into the Kaziranga of Nagaland, which will not only enhance the economy of the surrounding villages but also the state through eco-tourism.
Towards this, the Minister stated that both the villagers and the department should work together in protecting the only National Park of the State from encroachers, poachers and other anti-social elements.
On the delay in completion of land exchange process between Beisumpuikam and Forest Department, which has been prolonged for several years now, the Minister appealed to both the parties to have better understanding and urged the village authority to accept the proposal in the interest of protecting the Park together.
Zeliangrong Baudi Advisor Akhang Kamei conveyed the stand of the Baudi that they are for stopping all forms of encroachment within the National Park while the nearby villages have also accepted the decision and have been extending all possible support in this endeavour of the department. He however urged the Department and Beisumpuikam village to arrive at a solution soon regarding land exchange.
Deputy Conservator of Forest, INP, Heuneilung maintaining that protection of the Park should be given priority pointed out the need for more forest patrol personnel. He also said that discussion on land exchange between Beisumpuikam and Department is nearing completion.
Conservator Forest Peren and Director INP YM Jami moderated the interaction.
Accompanied by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, I Panger Jamir, Minister Kronu also visited the Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar, Dimapur. He emphasized on the need for increasing the animal species in order to attract visitors from within and outside the state.
Director of the Zoological Park, Sentichuba Aier briefed the Minister on the requirements for improvement of the zoo, including forest patrolling personnel and revenue generation of the zoo.
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