Itanagar, Aug 23 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh’s extraordinary botanical wealth must be safeguarded through targeted scientific research, sustainable livelihoods, community participation, and long-term ecological security,” said Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) during an interaction with Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Director Dr Kanad Das here.
A Lok Bhavan communique said the discussion on Saturday focused on the region’s rich plant diversity and future strategies for strengthening conservation.
Highlighting that the state hosts over 5,000 flowering plant species, approximately 600 orchid varieties, 75 rhododendron species, and numerous medicinal plants, the governor advocated for a dedicated rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) species recovery programme incorporating GIS mapping, population monitoring, seed banking, and habitat restoration.
Emphasising the need for comprehensive botanical surveys across remote and previously inaccessible frontier areas, the governor called for deploying additional scientific personnel for systematic documentation.
Referring to the state as India’s ‘Orchid Paradise’, which accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the nation’s orchid species, he recommended establishing a dedicated botanical garden, community orchid conservation zones, and expanded ex-situ conservation programmes.
Parnaik further advised the BSI to institute a digital flora and climate-change monitoring network to ensure real-time ecological tracking and enhanced public outreach.
BSI Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre Scientist in-charge Dr Krishna Chowlu was also present at the meeting. PTI CORR RG
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.