Indira Gandhi Park to get a facelift

The lone public recreational park in the state capital - Indira Gandhi Park - situated at the heart of the city is all set to witness a massive facelift soon.
The department of Environment and Forests, under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA), has chalked out a detailed proposal for landscaping and beautification of the park with all basic amenities.
This was informed during the fourth governing body meeting of state CAMPA, which was chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu here today.
As per the proposal, funds to the tune of Rs 6 crore from CAMPA have been earmarked for upgradation of the park that would have separate paths for joggers and walkers.

Further, the state civil secretariat would also be given a new look with avenue plantations within its periphery.
Meanwhile, Khandu expressed concern over the fact that the state CAMPA Governing Body meeting was being held after a gap of almost three years, whereas it should be held at least once a year to plan its Annual Plan of Operation (APO).

He advised the department to become pro-active so that funds granted under CAMPA by the Centre are judiciously utilised for the benefit of the state and its forest cover.
While reviewing the status of sanctuaries in the state, the chief minister was informed that the Pakke Tiger Reserve in East Kameng was well protected and secure, the Namdapha Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Changlang district was facing several challenges due to encroachment, large area, inaccessibility and international border.

It was advised and agreed upon that local residents in buffer zones and fringe areas be made partners by providing them with opportunities to take up economically viable projects.
It was also decided that the district administration and local panchayat bodies be involved in creating awareness as well as protection and preservation of these sanctuaries.
Khandu also suggested that in its afforestation programme, the department should opt for commercial trees and plants that could be recycled after a period of time so that revenue is generated for the government as well as local residents.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Environment & Forests Parliamentary Secretary C T Mein, the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), PCCF (Wildlife), Commissioner Finance, Secretary Planning and departmental officials.