Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

A ₹23.7 crore ecotourism project proposed in Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary has triggered opposition from local communities and environmental activists.

Concerns raised include possible habitat disruption, threat to endangered species and violation of conservation norms.

Geographical and Ecological Profile

Feature	Details
Location	Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya
Region	Within the Eastern Himalayan Global Biodiversity Hotspot
Area	Approx. 29 sq. km
Topography	Undulating plains, low hills and rugged terrain
Major River	Umtrew River, forms the western boundary; tributaries: Umran, Umling, Umtasor

Flora

Dominant Species

Shorea robusta (Sal)

Tectona grandis (Teak)

Terminalia myriocarpa

Gmelina arborea

Fauna

Category

Examples

Birds

Over 400 species including the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill

Mammals

Clouded Leopard (vulnerable)

Asian Elephant (endangered)

Himalayan Black Bear

Legal and Conservation Status

Attribute	Details
Established	1981 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Governance	Managed by Meghalaya Forest Department
MEE Rating 2021	Rated as the best-managed protected area in Northeast India under the Management Effectiveness Evaluation framework of the MoEFCC

Protected Areas of Meghalaya

Sl. No.	Name of Wildlife Sanctuary	Location (District)	Key Features / Notable Fauna
1	Nokrek National Park	West Garo Hills	Biosphere Reserve; red panda, Asian elephants, and rare citrus species
2	Balpakram National Park	South Garo Hills	Known for deep gorges, rare species like red panda, and cave ecosystems
3	Siju Wildlife Sanctuary	South Garo Hills	Siju Caves nearby; rich bat and bird population
4	Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary	Ri-Bhoi	Elephants, hoolock gibbons, leopards; rich in orchids and avifauna
5	Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary	South Garo Hills	Protected area for Nepenthes khasiana (endemic carnivorous pitcher plant)
6	Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary	East Jaintia Hills	Dense forests; elephants, macaques, and hornbills
7	Tura Peak Wildlife Sanctuary	West Garo Hills	Lush hill forests; home to elephants and birds like hornbills

Sources:

NENOW

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. “Ecotourism, while promoting sustainability, can often lead to conflict with conservation objectives.” Discuss with the help of examples. 250 words