GOVERNOR’S SECRETARIAT
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
ITANAGAR

                                                           

No. IPR (PR)-03/2009                                                 Dated Naharlagun the 15th Mar. 2010

PRESS RELEASE NO- 283

Governor appreciated the Gaon Burahs

Itanagar, March 12: While interacting with public leaders, Goan Burahs, Panchayat leaders and officials of Environment and Forest Department at Raj Bhavan on Mar. 10 last Arunachal Pradesh Governor was happy to see that there was no forest fire this year, reports PRO to Governor.

Appreciating the concreted effort of officials of District Administration and Department of Environment and Forest and Gaon Burahs in preventing forest fire in nearby hills of Capital Complex, Governor added, “the initiatives, you have taken will always be remembered and is very important step towards preservation and propagation of our precious natural vegetation. Future generations will get to see the much treasured Arunachal’s flora and fauna”.

Realizing the importance of Jhuming amongst the agrarian community as means of livelihood, Gen Singh proposed for some kind of compensation schemes to discourage the farmers against the practice. But, we have to ensure that only genuine farmers get the benefit out of the scheme. Panchayati Raj institute members should certify that concerned individual has been practicing for last ten years or so in the area, he added.

While suggesting some sustainable alternative means, Governor urged upon them to go for horticultural farming, medicinal plants and organic tea. As long time measure on the patches leftover after Jhuming, he went on suggesting for planting of new variety of teak, which gets matured in thirty years time.

It is the duty of forest, horticulture, veterinary and animal husbandry and agriculture to ensure that these farmers have some means of sustainable livelihood and do not suffer, Gen Singh pointed. He also asked the forest department to ensure that every student in the State plants one plant a year.

While appreciating the proposal suggested by the public leaders and goan burahs for preservation of environment in the State by highlighting the importance of Mithun, Governor agreed to take up in line of ‘Save Tiger, Save Forest’. He added, Mithun has its socio-cultural importance in Arunachal’s community and focusing on its danger due to deforestation, we can inculcate compulsion on the part of tribal people to save the flora and fauna.

Showing enthusiasm on the proposal, Governor assured to take the matter with the Prime Minister as a pilot project. It is a national asset and care should be taken as it is found only in this part of the world.

Gen Singh was also very pleased by the suggestions for forming of Mithun owners’ club and competitions of Mithun and expressed his hope that it will help in preservation of the important animal and also of the forest, which is diminishing due to Jhuming.

Taking part in the discussion, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) J.L. Singh informed that to arrest Jhuming, a proposal is in the pipeline termed as ‘Agro-Horti-Forestry’ scheme, which is been prepared to compensate the effected people. Highlighting on it, Singh said, it will be a joint effort by the departments and the effected people, wherein highland will be used for aforestation programme and the lowland for terrace cultivation, such as wet rice cultivation etc. This will help in confining cultivation in localized areas, he added. 

Earlier, with the help of PowerPoint presentation, Lala Techi explained in detail on the proposal ‘Save Mithun’ and the socio-economic importance of Mithun in Arunachalee communities. Drawing its importance, he said, Mithuns are used in rituals, religious festivals, marriages, during election process, commercial proposals and as penalty during disputes. Due to Jhuming, unregulated extraction of forest resources, human settlement, forest fire, urbanization and change in land use pattern, the Mithun habitat is getting destroyed.

President Arunachal Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Techi advocated for demarcation of areas locally called ‘Lura’ under the project, which proper fencing.

            Papum Pare Krishi Vigyan Kendra Programme Coordinator Dr. Taba Heli highlighted propagation of Mithuns and other initiatives in the Mithun Farms, Sagalee with it’s Sub-centre at Lichi, Dr. Taba informed that an average Mithun dam yields 1.5 litres milk and it is equivalent to 3 litres milk of a cross-bred cow (cattle). Deputy Chief Wild Life Warden, Naharlagun C. Loma and Borum Anchal Samiti Chairperson Gyamar Jeri also spoke on the occasion.

            Later, over a high tea and showing photographs of garbage in the picnic spots, Governor talked to the GBs and Panchaya leaders on the Clean and Green Operation.

Sd/- O. TAYENG, APRO