HYC opposes implementation of tourism project in Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded the Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) & Director, Wildlife Preservation-cum-Member Secretary, Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) not to grant permission to the Eco-Development Society of Meghalaya for implementing the “eco tourism works” in the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary.
In a letter submitted on Tuesday, HYC president Roykupar Synrem stated: “We urge you to take urgent steps to ensure that the ‘Eco-Tourism Works in and around Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary,’ being implemented by the Eco-Development Society of Meghalaya, are immediately halted. No approval or permission should be granted for any tourism activities in and around the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, considering its strategic importance and its role as a habitat for a diverse range of animals, birds, insects, reptiles, and plant species.”
“In the meantime it is also requested that you may kindly direct the Eco-Development Society of Meghalaya, the Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) and E-Factor Experiences Limited, Delhi tokeep in abeyance any plan or activities in and around the Sanctuary until such time the permissions/approvals from all the authorities have been accorded for the Project,” he added.
He said as per meeting of the Expert Committee for declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones around Wildlife Sanctuaries/ National Parks held on 4th July, 2016 in the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi.
In this meeting, the Expert Committee also decided to recommend the proposal for declaring Eco-sensitive Zone around Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghalaya.
He said the Government of Meghalaya through the Eco-Development Society of Meghalaya have floated and allotted Tender for “Eco Tourism Works in and around Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary” at a cost of Rs 23.70 Crores for development of Tourism activities in and around the Wildlife Sanctuary. The project proposed to be undertaken will have dwelling places for tourists, glass skywalks and even water-sports arena besides other activities inside the Sanctuary. All these activities and plans will have huge impact on the flora and fauna seeking refuge inside the Sanctuary.
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HYC should give a detailed write up on how the Eco friendly work is going to infringe upon the ecology and environment of the wild life sanctuary.
The Govt of Meghalaya has taken up a noble project to create an Eco friendly project for tourist there by creating job opportunities for the locals.
There are many Eco friendly projects in many wild life sanctuaries across the country, so “Why is there opposition from the HYC?…the question needs answers.