ETA needed to conserve Sikkim's biodiversity

Gangtok, Nov 28 (UNI) General Officer Commanding Black Cat Division, Gangtok, Major General K V S Lalotra said an Ecological Territorial Army battalion is needed to conserve the rich flora and fauna of Sikkim and protect its wildlife.

Talking to newspersons on the sidelines of a rally of ex-servicemen, the GOC said the need arose on the apprehension of denudation of forest and possible damage to the rich bio-diversity of this tiny Himalayan state in a view of a number of hydro power projects coming up.

As per official sources, as many as 22 hydro power projects would be commissioned in the next seven to eight years.

Maj Gen Lalotra said discussion was on with the state government in this regard and the latter's response was very positive. ''They are very keen to raise the battalion,'' he added.

He said Sikkim's flora and fauna, located in remote and high terrain areas, can only be sustained by the army.

He said the army, which prides itself on the preservation and conservation of bio-diversity and had already identified and documented about 80 per cent of India's flora and fauna, was best suited for the job.

Gen Lalotra said the ecological territorial battalions working in Uttaranchal, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir had done a wonderful job in saving the greenery. The same thing could be done here also, he said.

''An ecological battalion with six companies would need an investment of around Rs six crore with an annual recurring expense of around Rs two crore,'' he said.

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