Jonai MLA Bhubon Pegu has envisioned a thriving ecotourism destination within the unique triangular landscape encompassing D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Assam, and the proposed Poba Wildlife Sanctuary.
Addressing a public gathering organized by the Mising Autonomous Council for the second edition of the Poba Festival at Tini-mile Ghat, Poba, Jonai, MLA Pegu emphasized the paramount importance of conservation efforts in this region. He highlighted the area’s exceptional ecological value and its potential to captivate nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers from across the nation, provided effective preservation and protection measures are implemented.
The Poba Festival, scheduled for February 2025, aims to raise awareness about the proposed Poba Wildlife Sanctuary while celebrating the region’s rich biodiversity. MLA Pegu urged the organizers to ensure that festival activities do not disrupt the sanctuary’s wildlife.
The event witnessed participation from various stakeholders, including local conservation groups such as Save Poba Rainforest, Nature’s Beckon-NE, and representatives from the Eco-Development Committee (EDC) and the Community Surveillance and Monitoring Team (CSMT) of D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary.
Conservation teams from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam underscored the need for collaborative efforts to address pressing challenges such as illegal cattle grazing, encroachment, and habitat degradation. The EDC-CSMT team from D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary highlighted the detrimental impact of cattle grazing from both Assam and Arunachal villages on the sanctuary’s ecosystem.
Encroachments within the critical Siboguri Wildlife Corridor, which connects D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary and Dibru Saikhowa National Park, were also a significant point of discussion. MLA Pegu assured that measures are being taken to mitigate these issues, including the relocation of encroachers and the provision of compensation for displaced families.
The proposed Poba Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 257.29 square kilometers, encompasses the Poba Reserve Forest, Kobo Chapori Proposed Reserve Forest, and adjoining river islands. It serves as a biodiversity hotspot and a crucial migratory route for elephants. This area is home to a diverse array of species, including the endangered slow loris, capped langur, and wild boar, alongside a multitude of bird and orchid species.
MLA Pegu reiterated his unwavering commitment to biodiversity preservation, emphasizing that joint efforts between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are indispensable for safeguarding the region’s flora and fauna. He expressed optimism about transforming this triangular biodiversity landscape into a premier hub for wildlife tourism while ensuring ecological sustainability.
The proposed Poba Wildlife Sanctuary forms an integral part of Assam’s broader initiative to safeguard its natural heritage, a vision championed by MLA Pegu in the state assembly earlier this year.
