Guwahati: One more translocated rhino was poached in Manas National Park in western Assam bordering Bhutan Himalayas. Forest officials informed that the poachers cut away the horn of the animal after killing it in Kahitema Beat of Bansbari Range of the Park on Tuesday.

It happened to be fourth translocated rhinos to be poached in Manas Park that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So far 22 rhinos have been translocated to Manas National Park from other protected areas of Assam as part of the India Rhino Vision 2020 programme.

ITANAGAR: Adding to the rare bouquet of rich biodiversity in the Himalayan state, researchers have discovered a new beautiful species of pink rhododendron flower from Arunachal Pradesh which was hitherto unknown to science.

A team of botanical experts recently carried out explorations in West Siang district’s remote Mechukha valley, few km away from the China border, and found the rare and endemic flower which has been named ‘Rhododendron Mechukae’ after its place of origin.

JOWAI: The District Magistrate, West Jaintia Hills, has prohibited the removal and collection of sand, stones and other illegal activities from the riverbed and river bank of river Myntdu. The order was imposed following collection of stones, sand etc. from the river without permission of the authorities by some private parties.

“The illegal activities of such private parties have badly affected the ecological system and environment of the area,” the prohibitory order stated while adding that order shall remain in force until further orders.

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Wednesday informed the Assembly that the State Government will soon come up with the ‘Meghalaya Renewable Energy Policy’ to tackle power deficiency in the State.

Dr Sangma also informed that the Government has decided to review and revamp the Meghalaya Non-Conventional and Rural Energy Development Agency (MNREDA).

Arunachal Pradesh bagged an award in the Best State: Campaign Clean India category apart from winning a special prize for Most Innovative use of Information Technology at the National Tourism Awards function here on Monday.

However, none of the other northeastern states could make a mark in the event. Incidentally, two Delhi-based tour operators received awards for their operations in North East.

SHILLONG: With the annual demand of fish in the State reaching around 33000 metric tonnes, the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM) is expected to produce around 20000 mt of fish thereby reducing the demand and supply gap.

The Mission has been divided into mini missions and under the mini mission 1, the Government plans to construct 5618 fish ponds. Sources said that so far around 4300 fish ponds have been sanctioned even as the Government under the mission plans to construct 1 lakh fish ponds in the five years of the project.

Imphal: Fishermen and people residing around Loktak lake at Bishenpur district carried out a campaign to save the lake which is one of the biggest fresh water lake in Asia.

Fishermen went around the villages in and around the lake and spread awareness about the need of conserving the lake. The campaign was carried out as part of a week-long observance of International River Day organised by Committee of International River Day Celebration Week-2013 . The observation began on Tuesday last.

NONGSTOIN: Members of the Western Youth Federation (WYF), Nongstoin Circle met West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner S Kharlyngdoh on Sunday to press upon him the need to initiate the construction work of the Solid Waste Disposal Shed at Makadiang here at the earliest.

In absence of any solid waste disposal facilities in Nongstoin Township, the daily lot of garbage is dumped into river Nonbah which passes through the heart of the town. Some of the households also dump excreta into the river, polluting it further.

SHILLONG: Majority of the MDCs have expressed serious concern over the rapid depletion of the forest cover in the Council forest area even as suggesting on the need to encourage plantation of trees with the support of the traditional institutions like Hima, Raid and Dorbar Shnong.

While moving a motion on the issue of rapid depletion of forest cover, Laitkroh MDC Carmel Sohtun said that it is really painful to see the less number of trees in majority of the forest under the Council.

Guwahati: The famed abode on one-horned Indian rhino and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park in Assam has faced tough challenge to keep rampaging rhino poachers under check basically because of growing number of settlements suspected illegal migrants from Bangladesh around the Park’s core area.

The poachers have been virtually on rampage in the Park since the beginning of this year killing nine precious rhinos so far in the Park, according to official figures.