Forest officials and others during the observance of the ‘Wildlife Week 2021’ organised by Dimapur Forest Division on October 6. (Photo Courtesy: DFO Dimapur)
Dimapur Forest Division observes Wildlife Week
Dimapur, October 6 (MExN): Conservation has to start from homes and at every level of the society and looked at from a broader perspective, stated T Aochuba, Director Intangki National Park on October 6.
Protection of wildlife is not just about protecting flora and fauna, but is meant for the survival of all human beings, he said, during the celebration of the ‘Wildlife Week 2021’ under the theme ‘Save Life in Wild’ organised by the Dimapur Forest Division at the DFO Conference Hall.
It is the duty of every citizen to respond to the call for wildlife conservation; however, forest officials have greater responsibility, Aochuba added.
A press release from the Divisional Forest Office (DFO), Dimapur informed that programme was attended by executive and ministerial staff of the division.
Also speaking on the occasion, Tokaho Kinimi, Wildlife Warden Dimapur, maintained that in comparison to other parts of the country, Nagaland has a high wildlife conservation rate.
Conservation efforts have been fruitful as there is more awareness among the public and that sale and consumption of wildlife has decreased drastically in Nagaland, he said.
Kinimi, however, noted that poachers and smugglers have started resorting to technology for wildlife trade and called upon the forest officials to be more vigil in their approach towards dealing with wildlife crimes.
Most wildlife crimes happen within the community and not protected forests and it is essential to reach out to territorial areas where most these cases take place, he said, adding that personal intervention and creating awareness must be disseminated at the grass root level.
Beizo Suokhrie, IFS, DFO Dimapur also pointed out that in the past people hunted only for their needs but with changing times, the killing of wildlife for commercial purposes has caused depletion of wildlife at a rapid pace.
People need to change their attitude in order to preserve wildlife, the officer said.
Vivika Sema, ACF, I/C Dimapur Range further highlighted comprehensively on the guidelines on the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and said that protection of wildlife is a fundamental duty.
Those conferred with powers under the Act should be aware of the Act and duties, he asserted.
The programme was chaired by Imkongsunep Longchar, Forest Ranger while the vote of thanks was proposed by Jongponglemba, ACF, ADMU Head, Dimapur Division, the release added.
