ARUNACHAL PRADESH: CM ON FORMULATION FOR "ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANTS"

Chief Minister Pema Khandu while expressing concern on illegal harvesting of medicinal plants has called for ceasing the practice and to devise a mechanism so that farmers can grow endangered medicinal plants for sustainable income.

In this connection, the CM also asked the department of Environment & Forests to formulate a policy to legalize such trade and to enable the state to earn revenue out of it.

Chairing a review meeting involving the state’s senior forest officers held at PCCF office here on Thursday, Khandu stressed the need to check the illegal harvesting of medicinal plants saying as these plants are predominantly of wild origin, hundreds of species are now threatened with extinction because of over-harvesting and destructive collection techniques.

Responding to the department’s grievances, the CM announced a fund of Rs 15 crore for forest regeneration works in the state. He also announced to create 200 posts of forest guards to strengthen the department to monitor and tackle wildlife related crimes besides sanctioning of 10 vehicles.

On the occasion, he congratulated the Bugun community for winning the National Biodiversity Award 2018 in ‘Conservation of wildlife species’ category conferred by the National Biodiversity Authority.

Stating that govt alone cannot protect the nature, the CM encouraged the local communities to come forward in preserving Mother Nature of Arunachal Pradesh. He also suggested use of innovative practices and technology for conservation of biodiversity.