GUWAHATI
A youth organisation has opposed an ecotourism development project in Meghalaya’s Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, citing a potential threat to its delicate ecosystem.
In a letter submitted to the State’s Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) and the Director of Wildlife Preservation on May 6, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) called for scrapping the planned ecotourism project in and around the 29 sq. km sanctuary in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district.
The HYC was the second organisation to oppose the project worth ₹23.7 crore. Green-Tech Foundation (GTF), a Shillong-based environmental group, had petitioned the State’s Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, against the proposed infrastructure project.
The project, awarded to the Eco-Development Society of Meghalaya a few weeks ago, entails the construction of tourist dwellings, glass skywalks, a water sports arena and other tourist-friendly amenities.
“The sanctuary is a crucial habitat for various species of animals, birds, reptiles, insects, and plants. Any tourism activities will disrupt the fragile ecology of this protected area,” the HYC’s president, Roykupar Synrem, said.
He also said tourism-related projects should not be allowed in and around protected areas.
The GTF’s chairman, H.B.N. Nonglang, told journalists in April that Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary is too small for infrastructure projects and has been well-managed with minimal human interaction.
“Instead of the infrastructure project, the government should direct the funds toward developing communities around the sanctuary to ensure improved livelihood and employment opportunities,” he said.
Established in 1981, the sanctuary is home to more than 400 species of birds, including the endangered rufous-necked hornbill.
In 2021, the Management Effectiveness Evaluation report of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries said Nongkhyllem was the best-protected area in the northeast.
Villagers and NGOS have been protesting infrastructure projects in and around protected areas and wetlands elsewhere in the northeast too. These include an oil exploration project near the Hoolock Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Assam and a logistics park adjoining the Dorabeel wetland near Guwahati.
