Deputy Director, Department of Land Resources Development, Kohima, C. Vanchamo Ngullie today inaugurated community rice mill under EPA through IWMP-III 2013-14 at Tsuthur village in Kiphire district.
In his inaugural speech, C. Vanchamo Ngullie lamented, “Nagas know how to ask, but do not know how to utilize; know how to take, but do not know how to eat.” However, he expressed hope that Tsuthur villagers will know how to utilize and use the asset.
Sharing his concern on rampant cutting of trees in and around the village, Dy. Director also asserted developmental activities should not take place at the expense of harming environment. He added that cutting down of trees and development without soil conservation are opposite to the policies of the department and asked the villagers to conserve soil and take care of environment.
Further, stating development without planning has no value, Vanchamo said, “If we do not have planning in our developmental activities bringing project such as IWMP is of no value.” Hence, he urged the villagers to have proper planning in developmental activities of the project.
Meanwhile, appreciating the beauty of the landscape and the environment, the Deputy Director added, “Like that of your landscape and the environment, the community rice mill which is inaugurated today in your village should be the centre point to bring together the youths, villagers, women and the community to stronger bond.” He also hoped that the socio economic standard of the village will improve through this.
The officer also advised that, be in health sector, education, economy, education and living standard “you have to develop yourself first then people will run after you,” while assuring the villagers of any assistance in any areas if there are avenues.
The Deputy Director also interacted with the Self Help Group and taught them about book keeping and record maintaining techniques, which was followed by interaction with the villagers.
Ahozhe Sumi, District Project Officer, LRD Kiphire gave the keynote address and highlighted the activities taken up in the project. Puthuto Natso, Assistant Project Officer, LRD chaired the program.
The purpose of the officer’s visiting was to create awareness on special program for environment and economic development (SPEED) and for the ongoing IWMP project in the district. He has already visited five project villages.
