HYC Calls on Centre to Halt Controversial Nongkhyllem Ecotourism Projects for Sustainable Future
Shillong, May 6: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) is calling on the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to put a stop to plans for an ecotourism project in the environmentally vital Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Ri-Bhoi. HYC President Roy Kupar Synrem emphasized the sanctuary’s ecological significance, highlighting that it is home to over 50 species of mammals and 25 species of reptiles. Notably, around 30 of the 140 mammal species found here are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Synrem pointed out that several endangered aquatic and reptilian species rely on the sanctuary’s streams and water bodies for critical breeding sites. The area has also recorded rare sightings that have never been documented in Meghalaya before. Species like the Darter, Painted Stork, Himalayan Grey-headed Fish Eagle, White-necked Vulture, and Tawny Fish Owl are among the threatened and near-threatened fauna that inhabit this region.
In stark contrast to its ecological importance, the Eco-Development Society of Meghalaya has proposed a tender worth ₹23.70 crore to develop ecotourism infrastructure within the sanctuary. Synrem raised serious concerns that such developments could disrupt the delicate ecosystem, putting the survival of local wildlife at risk.
Citing directives from the Supreme Court and other legal frameworks, Synrem argued that ecotourism projects like this one do not qualify as "exceptional circumstances" and should not proceed in such a sensitive area. He warned that unchecked tourism could lead to irrevocable harm to the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, ultimately endangering both flora and fauna.
The call to safeguard this sanctuary highlights the ongoing tension between development and conservation in Meghalaya, a region rich in biodiversity. As discussions about the ecotourism project unfold, the HYC and environmental advocates are urging the government to reconsider the implications of such initiatives on wildlife habitats.
The future of Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary hangs in the balance as stakeholders weigh the economic benefits of ecotourism against the imperative of preserving one of the region’s most vital ecosystems. The response from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will be crucial in determining the sanctuary’s future.
As public awareness grows about the environmental impact of proposed projects, the HYC remains committed to advocating for the protection of Meghalaya’s unique biodiversity. The outcome of this situation could serve as a pivotal moment for environmental policy in the region, setting a precedent for how such delicate ecosystems are managed amidst increasing pressures for development.
This unfolding story captures the urgent need for responsible stewardship of natural resources, highlighting that conservation efforts are not just beneficial but essential for the sustainability of Meghalaya’s rich wildlife heritage.
Tags: Meghalaya, Hynniewtrep Youth Council, ecotourism, Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, environmental conservation, biodiversity, Wildlife Protection Act.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/05/07/hyc-urges-centre-to-stop-nongkhyllem-ecotourism-projects/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-05-07 03:19:00
