Dimapur, March 16 (MExN): The Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Parliamentary Affairs, CM Chang visited the Forest Office Complex in Dimapur on March 16. Interacting with both the technical as well as ministerial staff, the Minister gave opportunity to share problems faced by them and the Forest Department.
A press release informed that Satya Prakash Tripathi, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland shared about functioning of the Wildlife Wing, existing sanctuaries and the lone National Park in Nagaland – Intanki National Park. Informing about the success story of notification of turning 18 Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) into Community Reserves by the State Government of Nagaland, he disclosed that these Community Reserve projects are funded by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India.
He also stressed on the need of notification of all CCAs into Community Reserves by the State Government and subsequent funding by the Ministry for the benefit of the department as well as the communities owning the CCAs. Tripathi also highlighted the shortage of fund in the Department for execution of works.
The Wildlife Warden, Dimapur, Kiphire, Director, Nagaland Zoological Park, Divisional Forest Office, Dimapur and FUO, Dimapur also welcomed the Minister to the department and explained the mandate of their work.
It was informed that the Minister assured to take all necessary steps possible to improve the functioning of the department. Chang stated he will take up the matter with the Government of Nagaland for allocation of fund for ‘Forest and Wildlife’ under the 14th Finance Commission Award.
