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Infiltrators posing threat to Dibru Saikhowa

By Staff Reporter - 15 Sep 2010 12:00 AM GMT

GUWAHATI, May 13 � The Dibru Saikhowa National Park, endowed with unique features and the only national park in the country which is home to wild horses, is facing threat to its existence from Bangladeshi infiltrators, smugglers, poachers and oil exploration activities. This allegation was levelled on Wednesday by Wave Ecotourism, a youth group from Tinsukia promoting ecotourism.

Addressing media persons in the capital city, members of Wave Ecotourism alleged that rare species of flora and fauna from the national park were smuggled via Arunachal Pradesh to the neighbouring countries and these activities were increasing since last year.

It may be mentioned here that the Government recognised Dibru Saikhowa as a reserve forest in 1890, as a sanctuary in 1986, as a Biosphere Reserve in 1997, as a national park in 1999 and an Important Birds Area (IBA) in 2004. So far 680 different species of flora, including 38 different species of orchid and more than 502 species of fauna, have been identified in the national park.

�But now rare species of orchids are being sold at Rs 10 to 60 per kg and smuggled to China for preparing medicines,� alleged Niranta Gohain, director of Wave Ecotourism, warning that if no action was taken immediately, there would be no more orchids left in the national park.

Apart from the orchids which have been attracting tourists to the national park, the migratory birds are also another attraction for the tourists. The national park is also the confluence of eight rivers and many channels from these rivers again intersect one another in the heart of the national park adding to its beauty. But regrettably, Gohain said there were no concerted efforts on the part of the Government to tap the potential of the national park and develop it into an important tourist destination.

Another danger to the national park is the two forest villages called Laika and Dodhia in the core area of the park which officially have no existence. Jhum cultivation practiced by the villagers has led to deforestation of large tracts of land in the national park and allegedly these villagers have also been involved in large scale poaching which, if allowed to continue, will lead to the extinction of many rare species of fauna.

Gohain further alleged that violating forest rules, oil exploration and burning of natural gas was going on which has exposed the national park to grave danger.