Agartala, August 9: Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma on Sunday called for greater cooperation between people living in the state’s hill and plain areas, stressing that both regions are interdependent and must work together to ensure the overall development of Tripura.
Debbarma made the remarks while addressing a programme organised by the Tripura Forest Department to commemorate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
Highlighting the need for unity and cooperation, the minister said political considerations sometimes create divisions among people, while economic realities underline the importance of working together for common development.
“Sometimes politics teaches us to divide. But economics teaches us that we should go together. The message today is very clear — hills and plains need each other. Both areas should work together to ensure that Tripura moves forward,” Debbarma said.
His remarks emphasised the need to bridge differences and promote cooperation among communities across the state, particularly in matters related to economic growth and development.
The Forest Minister also described the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples as an important occasion for indigenous communities and said the observance provided an opportunity to highlight their relationship with nature and their contribution to environmental conservation.
Debbarma said discussions during the programme focused on the close relationship between indigenous communities, biodiversity, forests and the natural environment.
He underlined the traditional role played by indigenous people in protecting forests and biodiversity, saying their way of life has historically remained closely connected with nature.
The programme also highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous traditions and acknowledging the contribution of communities towards maintaining ecological balance and protecting natural resources.
As part of the observance, nine individuals were felicitated for their contributions to different streams of performing arts and culture.
Officials said the awardees were recognised for their work in fields including poetry and folk music, among other forms of cultural expression.
The programme brought together officials, community representatives and others to mark the global observance, while highlighting indigenous culture, environmental conservation and the need for inclusive development.
Debbarma’s call for cooperation between the hills and plains formed the central message of the event, with the minister maintaining that collective efforts across communities and regions would be essential for taking Tripura forward.
