Shillong, February 23: Wildlife conservation and the threat of extinction faced by several species in Meghalaya came under sharp focus during Question Hour on the fifth day of the Budget Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
The issue was raised by Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin from North Garo Hills, drawing significant attention from members across party lines. Legislators voiced concern over the state of wildlife conservation and the increasing incidents of human-animal conflict in various regions.
Pangolin (Mrad Kyrbei) Under Serious Threat
Leader of Opposition Mukul M. Sangma, who also leads the state unit of the All India Trinamool Congress> (TMC), supplemented the question by highlighting the alarming decline in the population of the pangolin, locally known as Mrad Kyrbei.
Dr. Sangma stated that the species has become increasingly rare in Meghalaya due to illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking. He pointed to gaps in the wildlife protection system, including inadequate enforcement at the field level and shortages of Rangers and frontline forest personnel.
Warning of long-term ecological consequences, he stressed that without immediate corrective measures, Meghalaya risks losing one of its most unique and ecologically significant species.
Call for New Wildlife Division in Southwest Region
Raising another critical concern, Dr. Sangma urged the government to consider establishing a new Wildlife Division in the Southwest region of the state, particularly in areas that have increasingly become elephant habitats.
He observed that human-elephant conflict in these regions has intensified, resulting in destruction of crops, property damage, and threats to human lives. According to him, the situation is gradually becoming unmanageable and requires structured administrative intervention.
He further attributed the worsening conflict to inadequate equipment, manpower shortages, and lack of proper inter-departmental coordination.
Government Response
Replying to the discussion, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that the suggestions made by the Leader of Opposition have been taken note of.
He reiterated that the government has already initiated several measures aimed at wildlife conservation and mitigating human-animal conflict. These include awareness programmes, strengthening of protection mechanisms, and efforts toward habitat improvement, particularly in and around reserve forests.
The Chief Minister assured the House that the concerns raised would be examined in detail and that appropriate steps would be taken as required.
The discussion made the Question Hour particularly engaging, reflecting shared concern among members regarding endangered species such as the pangolin and the growing challenge of human-elephant conflict across Meghalaya.
