Tura, July 03: The hoolock gibbon relocation issue in Meghalaya which had snowballed into a major issue seems to have been put to “rest”.

Three organisations- Achik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), the HURO Programme, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), have thanked Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, and the people of Garo Hills for their unwavering support and dedication in ensuring the well-being of the rescued Western Hoolock Gibbons currently under rehabilitation at the Sonja Wildlife Rescue Center.

This happened after Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma Monday put to rest controversy surrounding relocation of hoolock gibbons from their current location, announcing the government has taken “no such decision.”

“The government has not decided to shift the hoolock gibbons (Huro) from their current location. It is incorrect that we are shifting them, though the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has proposed it,” Sangma said in a statement.

“The commitment demonstrated by the Chief Minister and the community has been instrumental in securing the future of these endangered primates. This collective effort underscores the importance of wildlife conservation and the critical role that local and governmental support play in the success of such initiatives” the joint statement by three organisations said.

“The statement is made to clarify that we (AHAM, HURO Programme and IUCN) understood the position expressed by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma day before yesterday and that we are now looking forward to strengthen our conservation efforts” an official from HURO programme said.

“Moving forward, we are eager to intensify our efforts to upgrade the current facilities at the Sonja Wildlife Rescue Center. Our goal is to enhance the quality of care and rehabilitation for the gibbons by incorporating the latest advancements in wildlife management and rehabilitation techniques. We are committed to bringing in top-tier expertise and resources to further our mission of conserving this precious species” the statement said.

“This collaborative approach, combining local dedication and international expertise, sets a strong foundation for the continued protection and conservation of the Western Hoolock Gibbons. Together, we can ensure that these remarkable creatures thrive in their natural habitat, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region” the organisations said in their statement adding they are looking forward to continuing their joint efforts to safeguard the future of the Western Hoolock Gibbons.

Meanwhile Congress MP from Tura Saleng A Sangma met with Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate change, Bhupender Yadav, and submitted a letter seeking the latter’s intervention in regards to a proposal by the Meghalaya Government that had aimed to relocate a group of Hoolock Gibbons from a rehabilitation sanctuary to a zoo in Ri-Bhoi district.

The Tura MP has joined a chorus of protestors opposing any plans to relocate the primates from the Sonja Wildlife Rescue Centre located near Chinabat.

The state government, in the meantime, has clarified that no decision has been taken to relocate the primates from their current centre of rehabilitation.

“The Hoolock Gibbons are one of the endangered species in the world and local authorities have been taking all efforts in building an environment for their survival at the present habitation. The stress of relocation can compromise their immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases. Additionally, they might be exposed to new pathogens in the new environment to which they have no immunity,” warned Saleng Sangma in his letter to Union Minister Yadav that was submitted yesterday during the ongoing Parliament session.

Read: Two Meghalaya Miners Die of Suspected Gas Poisoning in Assam’s Tinsukia

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