Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Neiba Kronu has called for the protection and conservation of Intangki National park (INP), the only national park in the state under Peren district.
Interacting with villagers during his visit to the park on August 24, the minister said that Nagaland’s rich natural biodiversity with vast forest cover was the only means which can put the State on World Forest Map.
Intangki National Park having an area of 202 square kms can enhance the economy of the surrounding villages and the state through eco-tourism, said Kronu. To this end, 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 land exchange between Beisumpuikam village and forest department, which has been prolonged for several years now, the minister appealed the village authority and forest department to have better understanding and accept the proposal in the interest of protecting the park.
On the occasion, Zeliangrong Baudi advisor Akhang Kamei expressed the desire of baudi to settle the matter of exchanging land with the forest department without further delay. He also assured to extend all possible support to the department in protecting the national park.
DCF INP, Heuneilung in his address said the protection of the national park from encroachers and illegal activities should be the utmost priority of the department. He also shared some historical back ground of the park and the progress report of land exchange agreement between the Beisumpuikam and the department.
Also speaking on the occasion, PCCF I. Panger Jamir expressed gratitude to the forest minister for his concern towards the department and Intangki National Park.
He also sought the support and cooperation of the neighbouring villages of national park and appealed them to report to the department of any illegal activities inside the park. Conservator Forest Peren and Director INP Y. M. Jami led the interaction programme
The minister was accompanied by principal chief conservatory of forest (PCCF) and head of forest force (HOFF) I. Panger Jamir, director Intangki national park Y.M. Jami, deputy conservatory of forest (DCF) INP Heuneilung and other forest department officials.
Later, the minister also visited the Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar, Dimapur. He emphasized on the need of increasing the species of animals in order to attract more visitors from within and outside the state.
Director of Zoological Park Sentichuba Aier briefed the minister on the requirements for improvement of the zoo. Aier informed that the zoo has 45 different species and 329 animals and birds. He also informed that zoo upgradation programme and animals exchange programme was underway.