PASIGHAT, Jun 27: The State Board for Wildlife members which advices the state government on formulation and streamlining of policies for wildlife protection in the state under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, has called on the new Forest Minister, Nabam Rebia at his official Bungalow on Monday.

 

A four member team of SBWL held close discussion with Rebia who is a die-hard conservationist and forest & wildlife lover by nature. The Minister heard the previous meetings held under Chief Minister where important policies were adopted. On his part, Rebia lauded the effort of board members and urged all  to come forward in saving mother earth by protecting the forest and wildlife which is drastically being destroyed.

 

On board’s suggestion, Rebia said that very shortly he will direct the concern department and the district administrations to completely ban the hunting of wildlife in protected areas and gun licenses already issued for defense from animal will be withdrawn. 

 Rebia also batted for drastic policy change in dealing with environment issues with zero tolerance upon rampant existence of  illegal sawmills. He also doubted the commitment of forest officials in tackling forest issues, as without their knowledge or connivance such large scale illegalities wouldn’t prevail.

 

Earlier, the SBWL members also met Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife & Bio-diversity) cum Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr. R. Kemp where various matters concerning the state forest and wildlife were discussed at length. Attention over urgent augmentation of field staff by immediately posting Foresters, Forest Guards which is paralyzing D. Ering WL Sanctuary were also discussed while approving vehicles and speed boats for timely patrolling and monitoring activities, as the division is poorly equipped at present.

 

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