Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan.9: Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency reviewed the wildlife conservation & tribal welfare plans as per the grant of Environmental Clearance for holistic development of Great Nicobar Island project being implemented by expert agencies in coordination with Forest Department, Tribal Welfare Department and Health Department of A & N Administration. Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary and other senior officers of A & N Administration were also present during the presentation at Raj Niwas.
Shri Arjun Sharma, Executive Director (GNI), ANIIDCO apprised regarding the wildlife conservation & mitigation plans for bio-diversity which includes leatherback turtles, corals, long-tailed macaque, coconut crab, megapode, crocodile, etc. for a period of 30 years and tribal welfare plans for a period of 50 years. Officers/Representatives of implementing agencies viz. Wildlife Institute of India, Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History and Indian Institute of Forest Management were also present during the presentation.
Biodiversity conservation including species diversity and endemism in the Island and the region have been given due consideration and all efforts will be made for its protection, conservation and management. The UT Administration is also fully committed to ensure that the interests of the tribal communities living in Great Nicobar Island are safeguarded in the wake of holistic development project.
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