ITANAGAR, 23 Aug: Governor KT Parnaik stressed the need for comprehensive botanical surveys across remote and lesser-explored regions of the state, particularly in areas that remained inaccessible in the past due to inadequate road connectivity.
During a meeting with Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Director Dr Kanad Das at the Lok Bhavan here on Sunday, the governor emphasised the need to safeguard the state's extraordinary botanical wealth through scientific research, sustainable livelihoods, community participation, and long-term ecological security.
The two discussed the rich biodiversity of Arunachal, particularly its remarkable plant diversity, ongoing conservation initiatives, and future strategies for strengthening botanical conservation in the state.
Highlighting that Arunachal is home to over 5,000 flowering plant species, around 600 orchid species, 75 rhododendron species, and hundreds of medicinal plants, the governor called for strengthening conservation efforts alongside development activities. He advocated initiating a "dedicated rare, endangered and threatened species recovery programme" involving GIS mapping, population monitoring, seed banking, and habitat restoration in collaboration with the Forest Department and local communities.
Parnaik also suggested deploying more scientific personnel to undertake systematic documentation and research.
Referring to Arunachal as India's "Orchid Paradise," which hosts nearly 40 per cent of the country's orchid diversity, the governor recommended establishing a dedicated botanical garden, community orchid conservation areas, and expanding ex situ conservation through tissue culture and orchid rescue programmes. He also advised the BSI to create a digital flora and climate-change monitoring network, including a real-time flora database and ecological monitoring system, while enhancing public outreach and community engagement in conservation efforts.
BSI Arunachal Regional Centre scientist in-charge Dr Krishna Chowlu was also present at the meeting. (Lok Bhavan)
