Naga News
Dimapur / February 6
Minister IPR & Forest Kheto while visiting Rangapahar Zoological Park Dimapur on February 6 assured that the State Government as well as the Forest Department will protect and preserve the Wildlife Sanctuary (Zoological Park) at any cost.
The Minister said that although most people think that the Forest Department was fighting a losing battle at Rangapahar Reserve Forest due to public encroachment, with the sheer determination of the Department and able support from the State Government, encroachers were evicted from the State Reserve Area. He affirmed that the Department will not concede an inch to encroachers and further warned that any encroachment by the public will be at their own risk. “We have to change our mindset for a common cause in protecting our State assets with a sense of belonging” he said while averring that Nagaland was blessed with rich flora and fauna which needs to be tapped for revenue.
Informing that the Rangapahar Zoological Park was undertaken by the concerned Department as the biggest project the Minister said that the Central Government has already provided financial assistance of Rs 3 Crores out of a proposed Rs 5 Crore, for the development of the State Park. He also requested the media fraternity to play a pivotal role for creating public awareness in maintaining and protecting the rich biodiversity which will attract tourists from outside the State.
The upcoming Zoological Park with an area of 470 Hectares, when completed, will have grazing space for animals in their natural habitat, elephant rides, and a sanctuary for migratory bird as well as a separate area for caged animals for public viewing.
Wildlife Warden Dimapur, K Hocto Sema while interacting with the officials claimed that the Department has already solved 90% of the encroachment problem and at present a platoon of NAP has been posted at the site to discourage any further encroachment from the public and the Department will deploy its own force equipped with firearms for protection.
On the development front, the DFO stated that the Department has already purchased six cages for keeping various animals which is expected to be set up by this month.
The Minister also appreciated the present Chief Minister for coming forward and supporting the Forest Department for protecting the Zoological Park, and also expressed his gratitude to the Home Department for support whenever the Department needed help. The Minister was accompanied by Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr Goel, Chief Conservator Wildlife, Ramesh Aima and other Forest Department officials and personnel.
