CM Pema Khandu orders to keep road project survey in abeyance

Our Correspondent

Itanagar: Expressing concern over the reported disturbance that may affect the biodiversity and wildlife due to the proposed construction of a road through the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Pakke-Kessang district, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday ordered to keep in abeyance all survey works, ongoing or scheduled, on the said road.

The proposed 40km road is part of the East-West Industrial Corridor road proposed to connect Seijosa in Pakke Kessang district and Bhalukpong in West Kameng district. As reported the proposed road passes through the Pakke Tiger Reserve, which is a biodiversity hotspot of the eastern Himalayas.

Convening an initial review meeting with the chief secretary and the commissioner PWD, the chief minister decided to halt all survey works on the proposed road with the aim to preserve the Tiger habitat, an official communique informed.

Khandu observed that PTR, which is home to over 2000 species of plants, 300 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, 30 species of amphibians and 36 species of reptiles, is one of the most protected sanctuaries in the country and pride and treasure of the state.

“As many species of flora and fauna are globally threatened, and PTR is one of the last remaining strongholds left for these species, we are committed to preserving it for our coming generations,” he said.

“We are aware that any infrastructural developments that can be detrimental to the tiger reserve in the future need to be considered seriously before proposing it,” he added.

The Chief Minister proposed a detailed review meeting to be held soon on the issue with the Environment & Forest Department, PWD and all local stakeholders to chalk out further course of action, the communique added.

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