Cites DFO Peren reply to prohibit illegal extraction of timber
Peren, June 19 (MExN): The Nkio Students’ Union (NSU) has unanimously resolved to put a ‘blanket ban’ on all illegal timber operations and hunting of wildlife, especially for commercial purpose, within its territorial jurisdiction.
A resolution regarding the same was adopted at its recently concluded meeting in view of “great concern for drastic climate change and ecological balance” and determination to save and protect the flora and fauna of Nkio, the NSU stated in a press release from its Media Cell.
In addition, in pursuance of a reply to its May 19 memorandum from the office of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Peren, on May 28, the union has also resolved to strictly prohibit the illegal extraction of timber within its territory, it said.
As per the union, the DFO’s reply stated that there was "no record of any person seeking permission for installation of sawmill nor at no point of time they issue permits to anyone.”
The reply further stated that there was “no provision in Nagaland Tree Felling Regulation 2017 for setting up a sawmill in the name of a tree farm”.
It also stated that there was no valid working scheme in operation under Nkio village and an old working scheme in the name Old Nkio working Scheme in operation till 2018 had expired and no further extension has been issued from the DFO office.
The union further noted that the reply informed the only valid tree farm registration within Nkio Jurisdiction was in 2019. The registration has expired and neither further extension nor permission for felling was given after that.
“The present status of the tree farm under Nkio village jurisdiction is nil and an update of the tree farm for verification and mapping is done,” the reply said, adding that there is “no question of tree harvesting to be done in Nkio village as there is no tree farm in existence since 2019-20.”
In view of the facts provided by the forest department, the NSU asserted that it is clear that every timber operation carried out under Nkio jurisdiction is “undisputedly illegal.”
Accordingly, the union appealed all the “illegal timber operators to abstain from playing underhand activities” by establishing or sending labourers, animal draughts, heavy types of machinery such as heavy-duty lorry, excavators, sawing machines, “at/to Nkio to continue interdict activities and rob our invaluable natural resources.”
As the concerned authority has elucidated the sought clarification, the NSU will stand unwaveringly to ensure that no illegal activities are allowed at Nkio, it asserted.
The NSU further said that because of the “ignorance of the village authority and the laxity of the concerned department in executing their responsible work and duty,” the invaluable forest cover and natural vegetation have been “disfigured and destroyed enormously.”
Stating that this cannot be compensated in any way, the union stated that it would not allow “even a single naturally grown tree to be felled down illegally any further.”
“In the interest of rejuvenating the forest, any form of approval ‘to fell trees’ from the department, village council, or even government will not be allowed to implement at Nkio at any cost,” it informed. Individuals or groups violating the “legal fact” and ignoring its cautions would be held tantamount to promoting illegal activities and held responsible for “any mishap that may occur,” it added.
The NSU further urged the village authority and loggers to initiate a ‘complete eviction drive’ against all the prevailing illegally established structures including workforce and machinery “on or before the last day of June 2022.”
The union shall take its course of action and the union would not be held responsible for any loss of life or property thereafter, it cautioned.
