Army-WWF join hands in Western Arunachal

Tenga Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, Sep 8: The Army and the World Wildlife Fund(WWF) decided to work together, for the first time, to protect the fragile ecology of Arunachal Pradesh, especially in the remote western parts where biodiversity is pristine.

The WWF found the Army to be a most suitable platform for launching the joint action plan for the protection of the state's diverse ecology -- a treasure house of biodiversity in India due to its widespread presence in the area.

The 5 Mountain Division signed an MoU with the WWF on Thursday in remote Tenga valley of Arunachal for a joint action plan for conservation of forest in wildlife in Western Arunachal Pradesh.

The MoU was signed by the division's GOC Major General D S Sidhu, and Dr Sejal Worah, Programme Drector,WWF-India.

''This is a historical moment and a giant step for WWF. This is for the first time that a formal relationship has been established with the Indian Army on eco-conservation and is a natural progression from its informal bond,'' Dr Worah told the mediapersons.

''With its infrastructure and reach in remote localities, the Army offers a ready-made platform to the WWF for its programmes,'' he said.

Lauding the efforts of the Indian Army, in eco conservation, Dr Worah said thus forging a relationship would go a long way in protecting the fragile ecology of the region.

Welcoming WWF India's entry in Western Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with the Army, Major General Sidhu said the Army has platform already existing for eco-conservation. Drawing attention to the efforts of Territorial Army(Ecology), he said efforts had not been showcased yet. Elaborating the Army's contribution in the joint action plan, he said, ''The Army will provide administrative and logistic support to WWF in its programmes in Western Arunachal Pradesh. It will also assist in survey and mapping of wildlife in remote and inhospitable terrain,''adding that A system of recording observation and exchange of date will be formalised.

As a part of the Army's effort on eco-conservation, the GOC explained that majority of troops were from rural background and understood the concerns.

''The Indian army understands the need for ecological conservation and the alliance with WWF will definitely bear fruit in times to come,'' he said.

Incidentally, the latest unknown bird was found in Arunachal last year. The new bird, the country's first ornithological find since 1948, could be spotted in the remote areas near Tawang.

The only truly large swathe of tropical forest is in Arunachal Pradesh, apart from tiny patches in the Western Ghats, and these are the most diverse ecosystems in the world. The northeast is listed as one of the 12 mega biodiversity 'hotspots' in the world.

UNI