TNL opposes deforestation, environmental degradation

Ukhrul: It is an invariable choice of good blacktopped road today or water and secure environment tomorrow for the people of Ukhrul. The people of Ukhrul however prefer water and secure environment, thereby leading the Tangkhul Naga Long to issue directive to 84 Road Construction Convey (RCC) of Government Road Engineering Force (GREF)/BRO to immediately stop felling trees from the Shirui forest.

 

 

For more than two years there were reports of wanton felling of trees for firewood by the Border Road Organization (BRO) 84 RCC/GREF inside Shirui forest. The firewood is used at the ongoing blacktopping of the National Highway stretch of Yaingangpokpi to Jessami and Ukhrul to Tolloi. “I have personally talked to the GREF OC to immediately stop felling trees from Shirui forest in view of the impending calamity,” said Artax A. Shimray, President of Tangkhul Naga Long.

Reliable sources said that a villager who owns a large chunk of the forest land leased it out to 84 RCC/GREF to take unlimited number of trees in exchange for Rs 50,000 per month. Ironically, Shirui Village Authority remains a mere spectator so far. “Failure of Shirui Village Authority to dispense legislation to save the forest is also one main factor leading to rapid depletion,” remarked the TNL President.

The thickly wooded Shirui forest has been markedly depleted in recent year due to wanton lumbering in addition to BRO’s firewood venture.

Interestingly, Shirui forest with its innumerable streams are the only lifeline water source of Ukhrul town with a population of more than 40,000 located just 15 kilometers distance. Environmental experts and PHED officials have warned of acute water problem at Ukhrul along with the depletion of Shirui forest. Villagers said with the silent depletion of forest area the innumerable water sources inside the forest are found drying up. “Our fields which have perennial water source are now facing problem,” said Willington, the Headman of Shirui CK.

“We are also developing a plan to combat environmental degradation in every village. Unless we do this our future is doom. Saving environment by way of forest conservation is mandatory in every village,” the TNL President said.