North-East is attracting people, but more conservation effort is needed: Expert

The diverse flora, fauna, people and culture of the North-East are attracting tourists but more efforts at conservation are required, a conservationist said at a book launch here.

"Tourism has increased in the North-East during Sanghai Festival in Manipur, Hornbill Festival in Nagaland and people are showing interest in the human life. Tourism has been beneficial but I don't think that it has helped in conservation of biodiversity," Biswajit Roy Chowdhury, member of State Wildlife Board, told IANS on the sidelines of the launch of his book, "North East India: Bio-resources, People and Culture" at the iconic Oxford Bookstore on Thursday.

The book is part of his research work on bio-resources.

"But this book is more of a popular thing, so there are mentions of the latest species and discoveries but in-depth study is not given," Roy Chowdhury said.

Dinabandhu Sahoo, the first Indian student to visit Antarctica during 1987-88 as part of the 7th Indian Scientific Expedition, is the co-author. The book contains amazing photographs and thoughtful explanation of the land.

The book aims to portray the vivid images of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak of the world, deciduous Sal forest, endemic and endangered animals like red panda, one-horned rhinoceros, Satyr tragopans, species of rhododendrons, etc.

Describing the North-East as "diverse and fascinating", US Consul General in Kolkata Patti Hoffman said she was charmed by the beautiful terrains, people, languages, diverse culture, tribes, dance, music, costumes, diverse wildlife, diverse history, diverse neighbours and international borders when she visited Assam, Sikkim, Manipur and Nagaland.

--IANS

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