Now, one can hear birds chirping on the road side and in the jungles: CYF
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 9
Wild animals and bird’s population in Chakhesang areas under Phek district have reportedly registered a drastic increase following the biodiversity conservation effort of the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO), which is enforced by the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF).
The jungles of Phek district was turning uncomfortably silent due to rampant hunting of animals and birds before the CPO intervened by way of imposition of ban on hunting all year round since the year 2000.
“Now, one can hear birds chirping on the road side and in the jungles,” CYF president Welete Kapfo said. Besides, the ban on adding wild animals or bird’s meat in the menu during VIPs visit and use of wild animals as present also still stand, Kapfo said.
Hunting prohibited throughout the year
Hunting in Chakhesang inhabited areas in Phek district is prohibited throughout the year. It prohibits hunting of bird(s) and wild animal(s) including capturing, coursing, snaring, trapping or baiting any wild animal(s)/ bird(s).
A per guidelines of CYF, any person carrying weapon, explosives, firearms, poison, snares and traps or instrument(s)/apparatus capable of anaesthetizing, decoying, destroying, injuring or killing any wild animal(s) or bird(s) shall be penalized Rs. 5000 per head.
As part of enforcing the guidelines, the CYF in association with unit village youth leaders recently conducted its first phase surprise checking and penalized eight violators for trapping/hunting.
Use of chemical(s)
for fishing banned
The guidelines also prohibit use of any apparatus or equipment(s) (Battery, generator etc) for fishing in the Chakhesang inhabited areas of Phek district. A penalty of Rs. 5000 per head is imposed on the offender(s). Use of chemical (s) for fishing is banned with a penalty of Rs. 5000 imposed on the offender(s).
Indiscriminate burning
of jungle prohibited
Indiscriminate burning of jungle in the Chakhesang inhabited areas is strictly prohibited. A fine of Rs. 20,000 is imposed on defaulter(s). The CYF stated that 19 villages had violated the resolution (Indiscriminate burning of jungle) this year.
The villages include Thuvopisu village, Ketsapo village, Phusachodu village, Khezhakeno village, Mesulumi village, Phek village, Lozaphuhu village, Losami village, Siimi village, Pfutseromi village, Dziilha village, Thenyizu village, Kikruma village, Chizami village, Zhavame village, Leshemi village, Thetsiimi village, Thipuzu village and Runguzu Nagwii village.
Ban on collection/extraction of medicinal plants
CYF also stated that collection/extraction of medicinal plants in the Chakhesang inhabited areas of Phek district is banned. It has set a fine of Rs. 5000 as penalty on the culprit(s) and goods confiscated by the concerned authority.
Ban on import of pig
The CPO has also banned import of pigs for slaughter since 2000 within Chakhesang jurisdiction. The main objectives of the ban are to encourage local meat production, prevent cash drain and epidemic disease of pig.
However, import of piglets weighting below 30 kg for rearing purpose is permitted but only after acquiring permit from CYF office.
Import of pig above the prescribed weight is strictly prohibited and defaulters are penalized with not less than Rs. 20,000. Second time offenders (s) are panelized with Rs. 20,000, which may also extent up to Rs. 50,000 and complete confiscation.
According to Kapfo, as per a study conducted by Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Department, the imposition of ban on import of pork resulted in financial rotation of not less than Rs. 1 crore within the Chakhesang inhabited areas. It helped enhancement of rural economy as well as controlling epidemic diseases of pig.
CYF appeals
Meanwhile, CYF president has appealed to all to extend their support towards biodiversity conservation effort and work collectively to protect and conserve environment. He said the second phase of the surprise checking would take place soon. The CYF also plans to undertake poster campaign on biodiversity conservation.
