Need to conserve endemic flora and fauna: TR Zeliang

November 29, 2022 36 Views No Comment

Rhododendron Park inaugurated in Jakhama

Morung Express News
Kohima | November 29

Chairperson of the UDA and former Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang on Monday emphasised the need to conserve and protect endemic species of flora and fauna of Nagaland, many of which are vanishing due to over exploitation.

Stating this while inaugurating a Rhododendron Park at Jakhama village on Monday, Zeliang said that “it is important to conserve what we are naturally blessed with,” rather than adopting and going after things which are not endemic to the State. The Park which is located on a hillock looks at the preservation of endemic species of Rhododendron plants and varieties of Orchids.

“Not only Rhododendron or Orchids but any other uncommon indigenous species, should be identified and conserved even in the jungles. Be it animals, birds, medicinal plants or flowers, many are vanishing due to over exploitation by our people,” he added.

Zeliang who also unveiled the Park monolith said that Nagaland has huge potential to generate income from the tourism and eco-tourism sector as the state is richly blessed with flora and fauna. This area in turn would generate revenue for the state, he said while adding that the state is totally dependent on the centre for any developmental and non developmental expenditure.

The special guest maintained that the Naga people have not been able to realise and make best use of it and added that ‘due to our traditional jhum cultivation practice and habitual jungle burning,’ many rich forests have been depleted and destroyed. In the process, many medicinal and endemic plants have become endangered and extinct, he said while underlining the need to take advantage of the abundant flora and fauna species and make it economically profitable.

Towards this, he suggested two dimensions which he said would attract visitors through eco-tourism promotion and another for commercial purpose. In this line, he said the people need to develop the habit of rearing flowers in large scale so that import of natural flowers from outside the state for decoration in various functions can be reduced. He also noted that the people need to be educated on the importance of sustainable self sufficiency.

Speaking of the significance of Rhododendron, Zeliang said it was not only the state flower but a flower known for its uniqueness. With over thousand species found around the world, he noted that there were 11 species found in Nagaland. He however lamented that this flower is diminishing due to the ignorance of the people with regard to its conservation and protection from human activities and calamities.

Zeliang lauded the owner of the park, Dr Kelühol Tase for coming up with the unique initiative and mentioned that in 2019, the owner and his brothers made headlines for Rhododendron plantation drive. He hoped this initiative would inspire in other people, the desire to protect and conserve this endangered species from extinction.

Dr Tase delivering the introductory speech said the project started in 2018 when he, along with his brothers started planting Rhododendron saplings in this area. He said 4 species of Rhododendron are planted here including red, yellow, white and pink varieties. It is supposed to be one of the first Rhododendron Parks in the country, he maintained while informing that around 1.5 acres of land has been utilised and there is about 1 acre more to explore.

Earlier, short speeches were delivered by Medo Yhokha, Advisor to Chief Minister, Technical Education and Election and Ketholeho Kulnu, Former Senior Entomologist. Kevipodi Sophie, President, SAPO exhorted the gathering and Rev Dr Mechiehol Savi prayed for the programme while Kezekeno Group presented Tati.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/need-to-conserve-endemic-flora-and-fauna-tr-zeliang