Itanagar, July 7: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Monday called for a development model that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability, urging people to safeguard the state’s rich biodiversity, indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the Van Mahotsav celebrations in Itanagar, Mein said biodiversity, cultural diversity and sustainable development are closely interconnected and must be preserved together. He noted that indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh have coexisted with nature for generations through their traditional customs and practices, adding that modern development should not come at the cost of these values.
Emphasising the importance of afforestation, Mein said the success of plantation drives should be assessed by the survival of saplings rather than the number planted. Expressing concern over the poor survival rate of trees planted along roadsides and in public institutions, he urged schools, government departments, community organisations and citizens to share responsibility for nurturing every sapling.
He said Arunachal Pradesh is part of one of the world’s 12 biodiversity hotspots and contains ecosystems ranging from tropical evergreen forests to alpine regions. Researchers, he noted, continue to discover new species of plants, insects, amphibians, fish and wildlife in the state, highlighting its global ecological importance.
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need to protect rare and endangered plant species and encouraged greater emphasis on taxonomy and ethnobotanical research to document and conserve the state’s unique biodiversity. He also urged students and researchers to contribute actively to scientific research and conservation.
Mein said environmental protection and sustainable development must progress together, adding that conserving forests, rivers and watersheds enhances biodiversity, improves water security, supports rural livelihoods and strengthens ecological resilience.
Expressing concern over indiscriminate hunting and the decline in bird and wildlife populations, he appealed to communities to promote responsible eco-tourism, birdwatching, trekking and other nature-based activities that create sustainable livelihoods while protecting the environment.
Referring to the growing impact of climate change, global warming, floods, landslides and soil erosion, Mein said these challenges underscored the need to maintain ecological balance. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of the Northeast as “Ashtalakshmi”, stating that the goal of a developed India can only be achieved through the inclusive growth of the region while preserving its biodiversity and cultural heritage.
During the programme, Mein was presented with Ophiorrhiza chownaii, a newly described plant species named in his honour for his contributions to environmental conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development. Accepting the recognition, he dedicated the honour to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the state’s natural heritage.
The event, organised by the Botanical Survey of India’s regional centre in collaboration with the G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, began with a plantation drive involving scientists, researchers, NCC cadets, students and government officials.
