Shillong, Nov 27: Though it took nearly 25 years to complete the first phase of the Meghalaya Biological Park, it holds the promise of becoming a key player in the state’s efforts to preserve its rich biodiversity while providing an engaging, educational experience for future generations.
Expressing his joy at the long-awaited completion, Chief Minister Sangma shared his sense of satisfaction, stating, “It gives me great pleasure to inaugurate the 1st phase of the Meghalaya Biological Park, a project that took nearly two and a half decades to complete. While we are inaugurating it today, much more work remains to make this place vibrant and fully functional.” The park, he emphasized, is not just an amusement and recreational hub, but a vital platform for engaging the youth and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment and wildlife.
The event marks the completion of a project that has been in the making for nearly 24 years, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. The inauguration at Umtrew was attended by key officials, including Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, A.L. Hek, MLA Celestine Lyngdoh, Chief Advisor Lakhmen Rymbui, and Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang.
Despite the project’s long gestation period, which was hindered by various delays, the Chief Minister highlighted that the government’s commitment to completing it stands as a testament to their focus on progress and ecological balance. “While many components, such as ticketing counters, cafeterias, souvenir shops, and enclosures, are still under construction, it was important to start this phase to engage the community and move forward,” he added.
The park, once completed, aims to serve as a sanctuary for rescued animals, offering them a space they cannot find in their natural habitats. The Chief Minister pointed out the significance of such initiatives in balancing human activity with wildlife conservation, emphasizing, “These projects allow us to give space to animals in need while educating the public, particularly children, to cultivate empathy and responsibility towards our natural world.”
He also spoke about the government’s long-term vision, which includes reviving past projects that were shelved for various reasons. In line with this, he stressed the importance of data collection, surveys, and research to maintain an accurate count of both flora and fauna in the state. This data, he explained, would help identify and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts—often exacerbated by human encroachment into animal habitats.
“We must learn to respect the boundaries of one another. Most conflicts arise when humans encroach on natural spaces. It is only by understanding and respecting these boundaries that we can truly coexist,” Sangma emphasized. He also mentioned the government’s efforts to incentivize local communities, turning the biological park into a thriving tourism destination that benefits both nature lovers and the local populace.
The inaugural event also saw the presence of prominent figures in wildlife conservation, including S.M. Sahai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife & Biodiversity) and Chief Wildlife Warden; R.S. Gill, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HOFF; Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary, Forests & Environment Department; and P.K. Agrahari, Chief Executive Officer, Meghalaya Zoo Project Implementation Society.
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