On Environment Day, Arunachal CM appeals to protect nature, avoids mentioning Dibang Valley

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu went on a plantation drive on June 5^th, 2020 morning saying that the care for humanity is to care for nature. He shared several soothing pictures of planting saplings on Twitter.

“The care for humanity is to care for nature. Today on # World Environment Day, let's all take the pledge to preserve and protect the nature. Went on a plantation drive this morning. It is time for all of us to take action and restore our natural world (sic),” the Arunachal Pradesh CM wrote.

But, interestingly, the Chief Minister refrained from making any remark for the protection of Debang Valley.

Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh and Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve in Assam is recognised as one of the most bio-diverse rich forest habitats not just in India but globally as well. They are home to some of the rarest and endangered flora and fauna which will be lost forever with the nod given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) for clearing more than 6,00,000 old-growth trees in Dibang valley for two environmentally destructive hydropower projects (Etalin and Dibang MultiPurpose projects) and by the National Board for Wild Life (NBWL) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself for coal mining in 98.59 hectares in Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve. Subtropical forests like these are complex ecosystems with species that have evolved over millions of years. Once cut, they will be lost forever.

Also read: Dehing Patkai: NE students start another agitation, but this time on social media

The theme of the World Environment Day this year is ‘Time for Nature’. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 has dampened the spirit of the environment day.

Meanwhile, in Assam, the Axom Sarba Siksha Mission has directed the school inspectors and the district coordinators to advice the students to plant saplings at their respective homes rather coming out to celebrate the festival.

The Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also appealed the people of the state to celebrate the day at their own residence by planting saplings.

Meanwhile, concerned people have raised question on the appeal of the government to plant saplings at a time when the Dehing Patkai rainforest and the Dirbu Saikhowa National Park have faced existential threat.

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