Phek, July 15 (MExN): The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has reaffirmed the enforcement of standing resolutions issued by the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) banning a series of environmentally destructive and disease-risk activities across Phek district in Nagaland.
According to notifications issued by the CYF on July 15, the organisation has resolved to strictly implement prohibitions against indiscriminate jungle burning, commercial extraction of medicinal plants, hunting, use of airguns, illegal fishing practices, and private borewell construction.
The CYF stated that “indiscriminate burning of jungle is strictly prohibited,” with defaulters liable to pay a fine of Rs 30,000, which may be increased “depending on the extent of devastation.”
The collection and extraction of medicinal plants for commercial purposes has also been banned. Violators will be fined Rs 20,000 and the collected goods will be confiscated.
Hunting has been banned in all forms throughout the year. “Activities such as capturing, coursing, snaring, trapping or baiting of birds or wild animals is restricted,” the CYF said. Individuals caught carrying hunting equipment—including weapons, explosives, poisons or traps—will be fined Rs 10,000, while groups of more than three persons will face a penalty of Rs 30,000. Equipment used for such purposes will be seized. Those found buying or selling hunted animals will be fined Rs 15,000.
Further, the CYF cited the resolution passed during the CPO General Session held on January 23, 2024 at Chizami village, which “resolved to fully ban the use of Airguns.” Anyone found in possession of an airgun for any reason will face the same penalties outlined under the anti-hunting rule, and the airgun will be confiscated.
The use of batteries, generators, chemicals or any such apparatus for fishing has also been prohibited, with fines starting at Rs 10,000, depending on the extent of ecological damage. All such equipment will be confiscated.
The CYF also encouraged groundwater recharge initiatives to address water scarcity issues. However, it emphasized that borewell construction “should be community oriented rather than privately owned and approval is required from the CPO.”
To oversee implementation, a Biodiversity Cell has been formed under CYF with Vice President Nüveta Khusoh as in-charge (+91-70055-49742), Joint Secretary Tavikho Krome (+91-70052-33800), and Social & Cultural Secretary Lhouwe Lomi (+91-89746-97077).
In a separate appeal issued alongside the notification, the CYF raised concern over “a concerning rise in illegal hunting and the unauthorized import of pigs within Phek District,” which it said directly violates existing resolutions of the CPO and CYF.
The appeal comes amid reports of African Swine Fever (ASF) spreading in Nagaland. “CYF requests all Units to intensify monitoring efforts and remain actively engaged in promoting biosecurity measures and cooperate to contain any further risks,” it stated.
The organisation urged citizens, vendors, transporters and stakeholders to demonstrate “collective responsibility” and comply strictly with the import ban on pigs and the anti-hunting resolutions. “Violations of the import ban and hunting will be subject to appropriate actions as per the resolutions,” it warned.
“Let us work together to safeguard community welfare, livestock health, and biodiversity. Respect for our shared values and resolutions is not just a matter of compliance—it is a commitment to our future,” the CYF stated.
