Help us in protecting forest resources: Minister

SEIJOSA (Arunachal Pradesh), March 16: The three-day training on 'Van Rakshak' for the State forest officials concluded here on Friday. Experts from the Wildlife Trust of India and resource persons from Guwahati provided training to the forest officials on conservation and protection of wildlife and framing of cases against the poachers, reports UNI. Speaking as the chief guest, State Horticulture Minister Japu Dera appealed to the villagers to cooperate with the Government in preservation and protection of forest resources of the State. He expressed happiness that people had realised the importance of forests. Education Minister Dera Natung called upon the NGOs to supplement the efforts of the state government in preserving the rich flora and fauna of the State. Natung asked the people not to encroach on the forest land and preserve the natural habitats of wild animals. Presiding over the meeting, State Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) said the Government was mulling on declaring Pakhuli Wildlife Sanctuary a tiger project soon. He said the state government had finalised compensation for damage to crops by wildlife in Seijosa area and Rs 1.30 lakh had been disbursed to 88 people so far. About Rs 7.50 lakh had been received from the Centre as compensation for crop damages. The Wildlife Trust of India gave away cash award of Rs 10,000 for each of the family members of those killed by wild elephants in the area and Rs 5,000 each to the injured. The Arunachal Wildlife and Nature Foundation, a local NGO, had given away Rs 1,000 each to those who helped in protection of wildlife.