Minister CL John and forest department officials during inauguration of new Forest Beat Office at Chen Town under Mon Forest Division on April 21. (DIPR Photo)
• CL john inaugurates new forest beat office at Chen
• Urges Anghs, village councils and elders to drive awareness
Mon, April 21 (MExN): Emphasising the role of community participation in safeguarding forests and wildlife, Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John, on April 21 called upon Anghs, village councils and community leaders to actively promote conservation efforts.
The Minister was speaking at the inauguration of a new Forest Beat Office at Chen Town under Mon Forest Division. The event was attended by Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Y Kikheto Sema, along with other officials.
Describing the facility as the fulfilment of a long-standing demand, John said the new office would address challenges posed by the area’s difficult terrain, which had earlier limited access to forest services. He added that the office would function as a local response centre to handle grievances and curb illegal activities.
Highlighting development initiatives, he noted that road infrastructure works are ongoing in phases despite damage caused by heavy rainfall. He also informed that Chenloishu and Wangti villages have been approved under the Vibrant Village Programme.
In his address, Principal Secretary Sema stated that the Chen area comprises 14 villages with significant forest cover, and that the new office would strengthen protection and conservation measures.
He added that Nagaland has 17 Forest Beat Offices, with three under Mon Forest Division located located in Aboi, Longching, and Chen.
The new Forest Beat office will serve as a centre of protection and control for environmental protection and wildlife species, he said.
Acknowledging the cultural bond sharing beyond international borders, Sema stated that Chen area should set examples of protecting and conservation of biodiversity as it also shared large forest areas with those living beyond international borders.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Vedpal Singh, IFS, said the new office would serve as a key local administrative unit for forest management.
The programme was chaired by Tokugha Chophy, Divisional Forest Officer, Mon, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Forest Range Officer Tongkem Konyak.
The official delegation later visited the Stone Park below Chen Town, which blends Konyak traditional art with modern architecture, the State DIPR informed.
