ITANAGAR, September 18: Chief Minister Pema Khandu called on all stakeholders to “educate and convey the message of conservation among the masses,” reiterated Prime Minister Pema Khandu, “to work toward climate-resilient forestry in line with the Pakke Declaration.”
Chairing a meeting of the Arunachal Pradesh State Board for Wildlife (APSBWL) along with Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Mama Natung, APSBWL Deputy Chair Sharat Chauhan and PCCF Jitendra Kumar, the CM said: “The Indian Government takes the issue of climate change with the utmost sincerity and seriousness. So we must all work together to conserve our forest cover, and our forests will only survive if we conserve our wildlife. It should not only be the duty of government, but each individual sitting here today, if they are determined to do so and mobilize the people in their own capacity, can keep the luster of our beautiful state,” he said.
Khandu also emphasized the concept of carbon credit, saying carbon trading is gaining popularity around the world and that “the focus should be on generating green revenue.”
He stated that “we need sustainable development in the state,” adding that “our development efforts need to be complemented by a stable ecosystem.”
“I am pleased to announce that we have adopted a collaborative approach to sustainable development in the state, working with diverse stakeholders to achieve our development vision. Several interest groups are also represented in the State Agency for Wild Animals.
“Our joint efforts will surely deliver the expected outcome of a carbon-neutral state,” he said.
Meanwhile, several proposals – all on deforestation – have been approved by the board for submission to the central government. Some of the key proposals approved by the Board are clearing forests to establish border outposts in Balua, Bruni and Andrala – all in the Dibang Valley district; Forest clearing to widen 20km Itanagar-Jote road in Papum Pare district for construction of 135m span permanent bridge over Pinjoli Nallah; BCT Road in West Kameng District; Construction of flood control works near the general site upstream of the Decorai Irrigation Project at Seijosa in Pakke Kessang District; construction of Mipi-Andrala road in Dibang valley; Extension of the water supply in Roing and forest clearing to widen the NH 415 from Papu Nallah to Banderdewa.
The APSBWL is the highest advisory body in the state that advises the state government on species protection. Any proposal for development activities in protected areas (wildlife sanctuaries/national parks), environmentally sensitive zones or wild forests is first submitted to the Board of Directors and then sent to the National Board for Wildlife for approval.
Chief Wildlife Warden N Tam, members of the Wildlife Board and department officials attended the meeting. (CM’s PR cell)
