Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of a rhododendron park in his hometown Tawang.

He also carried out a plantation drive of different varieties of rhododendrons. Tawang is home to more than 50 different varieties of the species.

The chief minister expressed hope that the park will not only add to the scenic beauty of the city but will also offer an opportunity for conservation of the species, which is under serious threat owing to various ongoing road and land acquisition projects by the army and BRO.

He said once Tawang was home to about 100 varieties of rhododendrons but they have dwindled because of construction activities in border areas.

Text and picture by Damien Lepcha