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The Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Kanad Das, called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd), at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar and discussed the rich biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly its remarkable plant diversity, ongoing conservation initiatives, and future strategies for strengthening botanical conservation in the State.
The Governor expressed his appreciation for the regular discovery of new flora and fauna in Arunachal Pradesh, underscoring its status as one of the world's richest biodiversity hotspots, according to an official statement on Sunday. He emphasised the need to safeguard the State's extraordinary botanical wealth through scientific research, sustainable livelihoods, community participation, and long-term ecological security. Highlighting that Arunachal Pradesh is home to over 5,000 flowering plant species, around 600 orchid species, 75 rhododendron species, and hundreds of medicinal plants, the Governor called for strengthening conservation efforts alongside development activities. He advocated a dedicated Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET) Species Recovery Programme involving GIS mapping, population monitoring, seed banking, and habitat restoration in collaboration with the Forest Department and local communities. The Governor stressed the need for comprehensive botanical surveys across remote and lesser-explored regions of the State, particularly in areas that remained inaccessible in the past due to inadequate road connectivity. He suggested deploying more scientific personnel to undertake systematic documentation and research. Referring to Arunachal Pradesh as India's 'Orchid Paradise', which hosts nearly 40 per cent of the country's orchid diversity, the Governor recommended establishing a dedicated botanical garden, community orchid conservation areas, and expanding ex-situ conservation through tissue culture and orchid rescue programmes. He also advised BSI to create a Digital Flora and Climate-Change Monitoring Network, including a real-time flora database and ecological monitoring system, while enhancing public outreach and community engagement in conservation efforts. Dr Krishna Chowlu, Scientist In-Charge at the Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was present at the meeting. (ANI)
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