Special funds allocated to biosphere reserves

Shillong, Aug 8 (UNI) The Union Ministry of Forest and Environment has allocated special funds to conserve the Nokrek biosphere reserve in Meghalaya, including other five reserves in the North Eastern states.

A total of Rs 2502.56 lakh had been allocated to conserve the Dibru, Saikhowa and Manas reserves in Assam, Dehang and Debang in Arunachal Pradesh and Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, official sources said today.

The funds were utilised to monitor and promote bio-diversity conservation through surveys and assessment of flora and fauna.

They also created nursery for indigenous species, the official said.

Last year, the UNESCO had decided to include the Nokrek biosphere reserve under its Global Map Network, after the recommendation of a team of scientists from the Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata.

''Nokrek Biosphere Reserve has a large number of animals including mammals, reptiles, aves and invertebrates,'' a Botanist said.

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve would be the fourth biosphere reserve in India after Nilgiri, Sunderban and Manas Biosphere Reserve.

There are altogether 14 biosphere reserves in India.

UNI