High time to preserve Meghalaya’s orchid culture

There are 1,331 orchid species in India and amazingly, one third of these species are found in Meghalaya, the beautiful north-eastern state. But sadly, this exotic natural treasure of the state have not been attempted to be preserved which has resulted into the orchid culture on verge of being decayed. In the absence of a proper attention and the lack of necessary steps has opened the door to the orchids being lost in the passage of time. As an acute step, the state could have declared at least 20 forests as “biotype sanctuaries” which would help it in protecting and conserving the exotic flowering plant species. The species of the rare orchids are suffering from issues like habitat loss and human exploitation.

The orchid species are mostly found in Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in the Garo Hills, four Wildlife sanctuaries, reserved forests and over 125 sacred groves all over the state. There are at least 11 such orchid-rich forests in East Khasi Hills district alone including Upper Shillong, Mawphlang and Sohra. In addition to these, Jowai, Jarain, Tuber, Mukhaialong, Narpuh, and Raliang in East and West Jaintia Hills hills districts and Tura peak, Nokrek, Baghmara and Rongrenggre in the Garo Hills are some other places that possess wild Orchids.

This calls for an attention of the state gorvernemnt of Meghalaya as one of the rare natural wealths, the enchanting Orchids will go missing from the land if no acute step is adopted on time.

Keywords: Assamese news paper Khabar, Assamese Daily Newspaper, Assamese Newspaper Online, Online Assamese Paper, Dainik Janambhumi Newspaper, Assamese Newspaper

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