Meghalaya CM inaugurates Biological Park after a delay of 24 years
C
hief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the 1st phase of the Meghalaya Biological Park at Untrew in the Ri Bhoi District, a project which has been pending for the last 24 years.
The Chief Minister expressed happiness to complete the long-pending project, saying: “It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to inaugurate the 1st Phase of the Meghalaya Biological Park that took almost 24 years to complete since its inception due to various challenges. Though we are inaugurating it today, much needs to be done to make this place vibrant and fully functional.” He added that completing the long-pending project is a testament and a commitment of the government to take the state forward.
Sangma also informed that many components of the Biological Park, like ticketing counters, cafeteria, souvenir shops, and enclosures still need to be completed. “This Biological Park can be a place not only for amusement and recreation but a platform for engagement, especially with the youth, and to sensitize our youth and children in having empathy and responsibility towards our environment and wildlife. It is the main intention of the government to strike an ecological balance, and projects like these give us the chance to give space to animals who are rescued or who cannot go back to their natural habitat,” said the Chief Minister, urging the importance of keeping focus on the main beneficiaries of such initiatives.
He also mentioned that it is the intention of the government to revive old projects that have been shelved. The Chief Minister spoke at length on the importance of data collection, surveys, and research to have an exact count of both flora and fauna on a regular basis. He cited that this knowledge and information can help in corrective measures to curb man-animal conflict. “Having a survey and a database using technology on the flora and fauna of the state will help conserve and protect the environment and wildlife in an efficient manner,” he said.
Furthermore, he noted that incidents of man-animal conflict will be reduced only when we learn to respect each other's boundaries, stating that most conflicts take place due to human encroachment on animal habitats. The Chief Minister concluded by saying that the government is working on ways to incentivize the local populace monetarily in these critical areas, as this also presents a tourism opportunity for nature lovers, creating a win-win situation for both parties.
✔️ Meghalaya CM inaugurates Biological Park after a delay of 24 years
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