The government of Arunachal Pradesh has unveiled plans to develop a 692.7 km highway across the 862 sq km Pakke Tiger Reserve, a project dubbed the East-West Industrial Corridor. This proposed corridor seeks to link Arunachal Pradesh with neighbouring Assam. However, the implementation details on accommodating people who may be displaced remain unclear. The potential impact on the adjacent Nameri Tiger Reserve in Assam has also sparked concerns.
About Pakke Tiger Reserve
Established between 1999 and 2000, the Pakke Tiger Reserve is nestled in the eastern Himalayan foothills in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve, it sits inside the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot and boasts a rich biosphere with over 2000 plant species, 300 bird species, 40 mammal species, 30 amphibian species, and 36 reptile species. Many of these lifeforms are globally threatened, making Pakke Tiger Reserve their final refuge. One of the highlights of this reserve is its four resident hornbill species.
Hornbills in India
India is home to nine hornbill species, with the northeastern region hosting the most diverse hornbill population. Five out of the nine species reside in this region, including three species—wreathed hornbill, brown hornbill, and Rufous-necked hornbill—that are exclusive to the northeast. The Great hornbill and the Oriental pied hornbill can be found in other parts of India as well. Besides, Arunachal Pradesh and Kerala have recognised the Great Hornbill as their state bird. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed this particular hornbill species as ‘vulnerable’. The Nagaland-based Hornbill festival borrows its name from this revered bird species.
Nameri Tiger Reserve
On a similar note, the Nameri Tiger Reserve—established during 1999-2000—is situated in Assam’s eastern Himalayan foothills within the Sonitpur district. This reserve shares its northeastern boundary with Pakke Tiger Reserve of Arunachal Pradesh and houses the tributaries Jia-Bhareli, Upper Dikorai, Nameri, and Bor Dikorai of the Brahmaputra River. In addition to the tiger population, the reserve is also home to sambar, barking deer, wild boar, and bison.
To elaborate further on this contentious highway project, concerns have been raised about the lack of provisions for those likely to be displaced due to this development. Moreover, environmentalists warn that this industrial corridor might pose threats to both the Pakke and Nameri Tiger Reserves and their diverse flora and fauna.
While infrastructure projects like the East-West Industrial Corridor could boost regional connectivity and economic prospects, it is essential to ensure that such developments do not compromise the natural habitats and biodiversity. Sustainable development should be the guiding principle, striking a balance between socioeconomic progress and environmental conservation.
