West Kameng Villagers declare forest area as Community Conserved Area

Our Correspondent

Itanagar: In a step to conserve forest area with good repository of endangered wild animals, the villagers of Chug village in West Kameng district, under the guidance of WWF-India have declared nearly 100 sq km of their forest area as conservation area popularly known as Community Conserved Area (CCA).

The villagers also put a complete ban on hunting of wild animals and ban on commercial extraction of timber and firewood from the forest area.

The forest area of Chug spreads in wide range from the elevation of 1,700m to 5,000m above sea level. The area was recently surveyed to study the biodiversity using camera trap and sign survey where nearly 18 mammals, 21 birds and 6 butterflies were found which includes rare and endangered species like Red panda, Takin, Musk deer, Himalayan Monal and Satyr Tragopan.

With the support of scientific research and data, a management plan would be made and put in practice by the villagers that would guide them for extraction and usage of natural resources of the forest area in sustainable way to save for future generation.

WWF senior project officer Pema Wange said, “We are exploring livelihood activities for the villagers which will be an incentive for conservation of forest and wildlife.”

“The important animals such as Red panda, Takin, Musk deer and Asiatic Black bear have to be conserved as their existence will ensure our existence possible. The forest with rich faunal species will keep our Phu (God) happy so it brings good luck to us and we can stay healthy and happy, Chug gaon burha Tsering Khandu said.

Dirang additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Dr Dargey said, “Conservation is the only mantra which can make the human race survive in the planet. I laud the effort of WWF-India to make people of the area realize their responsibilities and duties towards nature and harmonious coexistence that they have been practicing since generations. I strongly believe the organisation will take the effort to other areas as well in the sub-division by community involvement basis.”

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