Rs 5 crores Central grant for Nagaland’s forests

KOHIMA, DEC 11 (DIPR): The Central Government had agreed to grant Rupees 5 crores per year for a period of 5 years for maintenance and preservation of forest cover in Nagaland.

Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio informed of this today at the inauguration a free LPG distribution function at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. 

Rio disclosed that the Central Government had agreed to grant Rupees 5 crores per year for a period of 5 years for maintenance and preservation of forest cover and bio-diversity  in Nagaland which is one of the richest in the world (towards which free distribution of LPG is also being funded).

Rio said that with Nagaland having 82.09% of forest coverage which is higher that the national average, the approach and strategy of the state for the 11th Five Year Plan shall be to ensure environmental sustainability by converting it into tangible economic benefits.

Rio also lauded the forest department for taking the steps to provide free commercial LPG connections to all recognized villages of the state in a phased manner of which the 1st Phase covering Zunheboto, has been completed with distribution of 300 domestic and 200 commercial connections. This will definitely help in creating more awareness amongst the people in finding alternative energy and help preserve Mother Nature for the present and future generations, he said.

Spreading the message of interdependence of man and nature, Rio said that it is the responsibility of man to preserve nature and his environment. The free distribution of LPG is a symbolic action and a very important message, he said, while warning on the effects of global warming and its adverse effects on weather and environment causing catastrophic storms, floods and droughts which are being felt all over the world. He pointed out that Nagaland is no exception to these as witnessed in the unusual cloud bursts and heavy rains, causing landslides and flood like last year’s in Tuli and Mokokchung town. “We need to be pro-active and act now to save, preserve our forest by planting more trees and also to practice the slogan “Think globally, act locally”, he advised.

Minister for Forest, Ecology, Environment & Wildlife and IPR, Kheto in his welcome address said that LPG distribution will cover all villages mainly to create awareness on the  degradation and rampant destruction of forest and environment. He called on the people to preserve forest, flora and fauna.

The programme was chaired by Secretary, Department of Forest, Ecology, Environment and Wildlife, L  Kire IFS while R Binchilo Thong, Commissioner and Secretary to Government of Nagaland, Forest, offered the vote of thanks. 



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