Indo-Bangla border to be fenced along tiger reserve in Mizoram

Aizawl, Mar 11 (UNI) The Mizoram Environment and Forests department has decided to fence the 318 km stretch of the Indo-Bangla border along the Dampa Tiger Reserve, which has been opened for animal movement.

Official sources said here today that concerned with the national security the Home Ministry had allowed fencing of the 80 km stretch across the reserved forest area.

The department had earlier suggested that five animal corridors should be left open for animal movement. But it was opposed by the Border Security Force since big stream and river areas are not be fenced as per the plan.

Sources said the forests officials have also opposed to the proposed 13 Border Outposts (BOP) and said this could be very adverse for the wild animals since all BOPs become mini-villages.

Meanwhile, the Mizoram Bio-diversity Board has initiated a proposal to conduct a survey to identify the bio-diversity richness in order to preserve the natural resources of the state.

UNI