Kiphire, January 27 (MExN): An inauguration programme of the Community Education & Recreation Centre constructed by the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change at Fakim Village was jointly organized by the Wildlife Division, Kiphire and villagers from Fakim on January 27.
Dr. Niekiesalie Nicky Kire, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change who was the chief guest on the occasion, stated that he will look into the problems faced by the villagers in conservation and extend full support through the Forest Department.
T. Torechu, MLA & Chairman, Nagaland Khadi & Village Industries Board in his speech requested the villagers to avoid deforestation and to co-operate with the Forest Department for the Preservation of forests and wildlife to attract tourism which can help in improving the economic status of the villagers.
The occasion was also graced with the presence of Satya Prakash Tripathi (IFS), Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland; Wennyei Konyak, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pungro; Samom Khelen Singh (IFS), Wildlife Warden, Kiphire; Chonpenthung Ezung, SDO, Pungro, Rohit, Captain, Assam Rifles Delta Company, Pungro and officials from other departments. It was also attended by the villagers from Thanamir and Vongtsuvong.
Samom Khelen Singh (IFS), Wildlife Warden gave a brief note on Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary and requested the Forest Minister to help the Wildlife Division by allocating more funds to help the villagers in and around the Wildlife Sanctuary since “the villagers is the first line of defence in the conservation and protection activities.”
Satya Prakash Tripathi (IFS), Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland informed about policies of Government of India regarding declaration of eco-sensitive zones around Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary and notification of community reserves in Pungro sub-division and emphasized the need of allocation of fund by Government of Nagaland for Forest and Wildlife so that the scenario of Forest and Forestry can be improved with the active participations of local communities. He appealed the villagers from Vongstsuvong, Thanamir and Fakim to co-operate with the department for allowing their land for declaration of eco-sensitive zone around Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary.
A press release also informed that Dr. Niekiesalie Nicky Kire unveiled the inauguration stone of the Community Education & Recreation Centre. Two short documentaries made by the Bhutan Glory Eco-club and the Wildlife Division, Kiphire were also screened during the programme which depicts the animal species available in the sanctuary and activities undertaken by them.
