HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, Sept 8: The Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board (APBB), under the leadership of Chairman Hawa Bagang, has undertaken an extensive preliminary survey and trekking exercise aimed at identifying potential sites for the establishment of a State Biodiversity Park within the capital complex.
The initiative is being seen as a significant step toward enhancing conservation efforts and promoting ecological awareness in the state.
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According to an official statement issued by the Board, the survey team was composed of senior forest officers and experts from various fields, along with local community representatives.
The team included Chairman Hawa Bagang, Director of the State Forest Research Institute (SFRI) cum Member Secretary of APBB H B. Abo, IFS, Senior Scientist R K Taj, Forest Geneticist Dr G Murtem, Orchidologist Dr Ona Apang, Regional Officer Dr Bameng Yakang, and several other forest officials.
The survey also saw the participation of Panchayat leaders, including former Autonomous District Council Member (ASM), General Purpose Committee (GPC) members, General Purpose Member (GPM), and Gram Bura (GBs) from Batt village.
The survey focused on the Bedi Bedha area near Batt village, where the terrain and ecological diversity make it a promising location for the proposed biodiversity park.
The team conducted biodiversity trekking to assess the flora and fauna, geographical conditions, and other environmental parameters that would support the development of the park.
The exercise was aimed at identifying the ecological potential of the site while ensuring minimal disruption to the local environment and community.
During the survey, the APBB statement revealed that the senior members of the Batt village community expressed their willingness to support the project by donating approximately 400 hectares of land free of cost for the establishment of the park.
This gesture, officials said, reflects the growing awareness and collective responsibility among local communities for conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.
The statement further mentioned that the detailed survey, mapping, and environmental impact assessment will be carried out once a formal agreement is reached with Panchayat leaders, GBs, and other senior members of the village.
The Board has emphasized that the project will be executed in close consultation with local stakeholders, ensuring that their views and concerns are taken into account throughout the planning and implementation process.
Since assuming office, Chairman Hawa Bagang has been actively involved in strengthening the state’s conservation efforts. He has been touring various forest areas and biodiversity hotspots across Arunachal Pradesh, inspecting potential sites, and engaging with local communities and conservationists. In recent weeks, he visited the Orchid Garden at Bhalukpong, the VVK Chessa nursery, and the Biological Park, among other sites, to assess conservation opportunities and promote awareness about the importance of biodiversity preservation.
Moreover, Chairman Bagang has held multiple meetings with stakeholders from different sectors, including officers from the Environment and Forest Department, scientists, members of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), and forest conservation activists.
These interactions have allowed the Board to formulate a comprehensive approach toward biodiversity management that integrates scientific expertise with community participation.
The proposed Biodiversity Park is expected to serve multiple purposes.
It will act as a center for conservation, research, and environmental education, providing opportunities for scientists, students, and the public to study and appreciate the region’s rich biodiversity.
It will also create avenues for sustainable eco-tourism, promote awareness about climate change and environmental protection, and contribute to the socio-economic development of surrounding communities.
The APBB has reiterated its commitment to work collaboratively with government departments, local communities, and experts to ensure that the park becomes a model for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
The Board’s efforts reflect Arunachal Pradesh’s long-standing commitment to preserving its unique natural heritage while fostering harmony between people and nature.
The next phase of the project will include detailed surveys, consultations, and formal agreements, with the Board seeking active participation from local stakeholders at every step.
The initiative is being widely welcomed as a forward-looking effort to safeguard the state’s ecological wealth for future generations
