Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang.
Peren, June 5 (MExN): Stressing that conservation goes beyond protecting forests to securing sustainable livelihoods for future generations, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Friday called for community-led initiatives and better road connectivity to transform Ntangki National Park into a major eco-tourism destination.
Addressing the World Environment Day observance at Beisumpuikam Village, organised by the Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO) in collaboration with the Ntangki National Park, Peren Forest Division and Mt Pauna Biodiversity Conservation Forum, Zeliang said Beisumpuikam occupies a unique place in the state’s conservation history as the gateway to Nagaland’s only national park.
Highlighting the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” the Deputy CM, who also holds the portfolios of Planning & Transformation and National Highways, noted that effective conservation measures coupled with improved road infrastructure could unlock the park’s economic potential, creating employment and encouraging entrepreneurship.
He urged the Beisumpuikam Village Council and youth organisations to adopt strong resolutions against illegal logging, hunting and destructive fishing, asserting that community-led initiatives remain among the most effective means of protecting biodiversity.
Zeliang also pointed to the ecological linkage between Ntangki and the adjoining Dhansiri Forest across the Temaki River, extending into Assam’s Dhansiri River, and called for protection of this interconnected landscape to strengthen wildlife habitats.
Citing Puilwa Village as a successful model of community-based forest and river protection, he encouraged other villages in Peren district known as the “Green District of Nagaland” to emulate such initiatives. He also underscored the need for proactive resolution of land and jurisdictional issues, including proper demarcation of the boundary between Beisumpuikam Village and the Forest Department.
Speaking as the guest of honour, Peren Deputy Commissioner Hiazu Meru expressed concern over Forest Department data showing a reduction of 8.4 sq km of forest cover in the district, along with declining water tables, reduced flow in the Mongleu River, and adverse effects of logging and riverbed mining, stated a DIPR report.
Meru urged village councils and the public to strictly enforce the Nagaland Tree Felling Regulations, 2002, which require prescribed forms from the Divisional Forest Officer, No Objection Certificates from village councils countersigned by administrative officers, and Transit Permits. He also flagged damage to national highways and PMGSY roads by overloaded logging vehicles.
Supporting public demands to locate the Office of the Director of Ntangki National Park within Peren district, Meru proposed its inclusion in the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) of Peren. He also announced that a pilot project under the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM), a sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), would be launched jointly in Beisumpuikam and Jalukiekam on June 11, 2026, to replace old irrigation canals with underground pressurised piped networks.
The programme was chaired by NZPO President Zandi Domta, with keynote address by Ntangki National Park Director Samom Khelen Singh, IFS. The vote of thanks was proposed by Zeme Council President Ernest Sephe.
