By Sangzuala Hmar, IANS
Aizawl : India’s plan to fence its border with Bangladesh is posing a serious threat to several endangered wildlife species in the Dampa tiger reserve in Mizoram.
“The fencing would completely stop the migration of wild animals such as elephants and tigers, confining them to a very small portion of protected area,” Laltlanhlua, Mizoram’s assistant conservator of forest, said.
Four of India’s northeastern states share a border with Bangladesh and the areas are being fenced for security reasons. While border fencing is nearing completion in Assam and Tripura, it has just been proposed in Mizoram and Meghalaya.
Mizoram shares a 318-km-long border with Bangladesh, of which 80 km falls along the park. The 550-sq-km Dampa tiger reserve is located 127 km north of state capital Aizawl.
“We have suggested that five animal corridors of one-kilometre length each be left open but this has been opposed by the Border Security Force which said it would defeat the very purpose of fencing the border,” said Laltlanhlua.
The park is home to several rare species, including the Himalayan black bear, marbled cat, tiger, and the Phayre’s leaf monkey.
The Mizoram forest department has objected to the National Building Construction Company for making inroads into the park area.
They have also opposed 13 proposed border outposts of the BSF along the park area, saying it would involve human habitation and therefore adversely affect wildlife.
“The gene flow of wild animals will be hampered if the park area is fenced,” Laltlanhlua said.
Other wildlife experts too have opposed the move.
K. Lalmuansanga, president of the Association for Environment Protection, said: “Tigers, elephants and other wild animals don’t have boundaries. The proposed fencing would tilt the balance and affect its habitat.”