Ampati, May 22: Together with the rest of the world, the International Day of Biological Diversity was observed at Nogorpara Children’s Park, beside the legendary lake named Kata Beel or Chimite in South West Garo Hills on Monday.
Based on the theme for the year “Bio-Diversity and Sustainable Tourism”, the programme was organized by Department of Forest & Environment, Social Forestry Division, West Garo Hills, Tura and was participated by A’chik Tourism Society, Tura, Church leaders, senior citizens, teachers, students and local NGOs.
The function was marked by tree plantation around the park, distribution of books on bio-diversity to schools, awareness talks and presentation of songs by school children.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry, Garo Hills Region, P. R. Marak, IFS, highlighted on the significance of the day and the theme for this year and remarked that environmental degeneration is happening everywhere and reminded the participants of their constitutional as well as religious responsibilities towards protection of all living things that make up our bio-diversity.
He stressed the need for greater awareness among all citizens saying that awareness will lead to commitment and commitment to action to maintain bio-diversity, “because when bio-diversity is maintained there will be sustainability of tourism”, he added.
General Secretary, A’chik Tourism Society, Dipu N.Marak, while speaking from the tourism aspect, pointed out the richness in bio-diversity of the areas around Nogorpara in South West Garo Hills and how the local people can take advantage of this richness to develop the area as a tourist circuit.
He Highlighting the tourism potential of this area, located on the westernmost fringes of the State with a number of places of tourist interest along the international border with Bangladesh, including Kata Beel, Dargah Sharif, Mama Bhagna and Mir Jumla’s Tomb, among others, he called for concerted efforts from the local youth to maintain the rich bio-diversity of the region and also gave them suggestions as to how they can leverage on this potentiality to promote tourism and generate sustainable livelihood for themselves.
Earlier, the DFO, Social Forestry Division, Tura, R. K. Marak, in his brief introductory address, said that the day was being observed as a reminder and sharing of concerns for bio-diversity and to take measures to check the imbalances in the bio-diversity around us. Church leader, Rev. P.M.Sangma and Range Officer, Betasing Range, C.T.D. Arengh were among others who also spoke on the occasion.
