STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Environment & Forest and Fisheries Minister Parimal Suklabaidya on Tuesday announced about the developments for the setting up of two new national parks in the State. Suklabaidya said that the preliminary notification is out to convert the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary into Dehing Patkai National Park. The draft notification of Ripu Reserve Forest as Raimona National park is yet to be issued, he added.
"To curb the menace of poaching, we have constituted Fast Track Courts in 10 districts of Assam. From 2016 to September, 2020 as many as 373 poachers have been arrested out of which 7 have been convicted and 172 have been sent for trials. The rhino poaching has been reduced to zero per cent. A special Rhino Protection Force comprising of 112 personnel was formed in the year 2018-2019. The Force has been deployed in the Kaziranga National Park. The government has also provided modern arms and ammunition like INSAS rifles, Ghatak rifles, and automatic pistols to Forest personnel," said Suklabaidya while talking about the developments in the Forest department.
The Minister also added that a regional institute namely Institute of Wildlife Health and Research will be established at Dinjan in Dibrugarh district.
"A total of 24 biodiversity parks have constructed which hosts around 1,000 species of fruit bearing, flower bearing, medicinal and herbal plants. Moreover, 33 highlands were constructed at KNP for the relief of animals. Similar highlands will be constructed at Orang National Park," Suklabaidya added.