Rhododendron Park

In a bid to conserve the dwindling rhododendron species of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu last week laid the foundation for a rhododendron park in Tawang, says a report in the Itanagar-based Arunachal Times. In the first phase, 16 different species of rhododendrons were planted. Conceptualised and designed by Abdul Qayum, district forest officer, social forestry division, Tawang, it will be a recreational centre for not just the locals but also for tourists. It will have a modern nursery, an information centre and resting sheds. Khandu said Tawang was once home to around 100 species of rhododendron. The number has now been reduced to only 50 as a result of road construction activities in the border areas.

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He said the Army and BRO personnel could play a key role in conservation of the tree species, since the high altitude border areas are beyond the reach of forest officials.

Man-animal conflict

Over 670 people died in Assam in the last eight years in man-animal conflict while poachers killed over 60 wild animals during the last three years. The maximum casualties were reported from Sonitpur district in the north bank of the Brahmaputra, says a report in the Shillong Times. The state forest and environment minister, Pramila Rani Brahma said this in the assembly last week. During 2011-2017, ex-gratia amounting to Rs 4.79 crore was paid to 414 affected families. Altogether 52 rhinos fell prey to poachers.

No effect

Despite protection many trees are being wantonly cut down in the Gadai Forest (Manipur’s Tamenglong district), says a report in the Imphal Free Press. No one has been arrested so far.

The Town Churches Union, Tamenglong, had erected a huge cross on top of the hill and named it Prayer Mountain. It plants tree saplings every year and clear the jungle. The Rain Forest Club, Tamenglong, planted saplings on World Environment Day.

The administration had sealed the forest after counting the trees and putting up a notice but to no effect. One can well imagine what happens to other forests when people do not spare even the protected ones.

Crowd-puller

The Assam Tea Pavilion at the Advantage Assam conclave at Guwahati was a big crowd-puller, says a report in the Assam Tribune. More than 4,000 visitors including some delegates from abroad saw the demonstration of the Assamese way of serving and drinking tea accompanied by performance of Jhumur dance. However such a dmonstration is mainly connected with religious and other community functions, where tea is served in manner giving it a ritualisitc touch. The pavilion was set up jointly by the Tea Directorate of Assam and the Tea Board of India.