IG Park set to get massive facelift under CAMPA

From Our Correspondent

Itagar, Feb 4: The lone public recreatiol park of the state capital  – Indira Gandhi Park – situated at the heart of the city is all set to witness a massive facelift soon.

The department of Environment and Forests, under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Magement & Planning Authority (CAMPA), has chalked out a detailed proposal for landscaping and beautification of the park with all basic amenities. This was informed during the fourth Governing Body meeting of state CAMPA, which was chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu here today. As per the proposal, funds to the tune of Rs 6 crore from CAMPA have been earmarked for upgradation of the park that would have separate paths for joggers and walkers.

Children’s park, fountains, sitting benches and modern footbridges are also parts of the plan. Besides landscaping, seasol flower beds, toilets, dustbins and solar lightings would be installed all around the park.

The chief minister advised that beauty, sanctity and quality should not be compromised as the park is the only recreatiol area available to the citizens of the state capital. On the suggestions of the chief secretary, the department has also placed funds for avenue plantations along the 4-lane highway leading to the state capital. To begin with, avenue plantations would be made along the now complete highway from Hollongi to Chimpu. Further, the state civil secretariat would also be given a new look with avenue plantations within its periphery. Meanwhile, Khandu expressed concern over the fact that the state CAMPA Governing Body meeting was being held after a gap of almost three years, whereas it should be held at least once a year to plan its Annual Plan of Operation (APO). He advised the department to become pro-active so that funds granted under CAMPA by the Centre are judiciously utilized for the benefit of the state and its forest cover.

While reviewing the status of sanctuaries in the state, the chief minister was informed that the Pakke Tiger Reserve in East Kameng was well protected and secure, the mdapha Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Changlang district was facing several challenges due to encroachment, large area, iccessibility and intertiol border. It was advised and agreed upon that local residents in buffer zones and fringe areas be made partners by providing them with opportunities to take up economically viable projects. It was also decided that the district administration and local panchayat bodies be involved in creating awareness as well as protection and preservation of these sanctuaries.

Khandu also suggested that in its afforestation programme, the department should opt for commercial trees and plants that could be recycled after a period of time so that revenue is generated for the government as well as local residents.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chow Mein, Environment & Forests Parliamentary Secretary C T Mein, the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), PCCF (Wildlife), Commissioner Fince, Secretary Planning and departmental officials.

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