Afforestation campaign: Test of Govt resilience
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: March 20, 2023 -
IF the state experiences rainfall and the water supply schemes resume operation, then it is likely that the outcries against large scale clearance of forests and poppy plantations in the hills might soon dissipate only for the same sentiment to resurface as and when the people face similar situation.
Though the state had been witnessing drought-like situation almost every year for the last few decades due to erratic monsoons and impact of global warming, the general sentiment against widespread destruction of forests is most intense this year, especially in the wake of discovery of large scale poppy cultivation in the hill areas and drying up of almost all the major rivers of the state.
While periodical seizure of timber logs indicates continuous felling of trees for commercial purpose, neither the government nor the masses accorded seriousness to such practice on the ground that main source of livelihood for many in the remote hill areas centres on logging, gathering forest produce, wildlife poaching, collecting fire wood and making charcoal since time immemorial.
Nevertheless, as a consequence of the unbridled deforestation over the years, there is no notable greenery in the mountains and tall trees are rare sights while birds and animals which had comfortable population some decades ago are rarely seen today.
As such, rapid shrinking of forested areas and subsequent metamorphosing of the erstwhile lush green hills into poppy fields are some prime reasons for the state government to launch intense campaign against both deforestation and poppy cultivation, which many organisations have endorsed.
Regardless of reports received on a daily basis about law enforcement personnel destroying acres of poppy fields, dismantling of huts used by poppy growers and cracking down on drug businesses and associated activities, unabated seizure of opium and other narcotic drugs in different parts of the state suggest that the campaign will test the endurance and resilience of the government.
That the government has taken firm resolve to reap fruit of the campaign was made clear when the state cabinet announced on March 11 its decision to withdraw the suspension of operations with two particular rebel groups under the umbrella of the Kuki National Organisation and the United People’s Front on the charge that leadership and cadres of the two are involved in drug business and poppy cultivation, and had instigated public to take out the recent protest rallies against the eviction drive in forest areas.
By serving show cause notices to district magistrates of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal, where the rallies were held on March 10, the government demonstrated that it wouldn’t remain silent against any attempt to derail its objective of preserving the forests and destroying poppy plantations.
The investigation ordered against activities of the Kuki Students’ Organisation, which spearheaded the said rallies is yet another testimony that the government is fully prepared to tackle any obstacle.
However, the protesters defying imposition of prohibitory orders and coming out in large numbers to demand withdrawal of the eviction notices rung out the message that the government shall have to tackle the problem tactfully as it is obvious that elements inimical to interests of the state and its people would be eager to exploit public sentiment and create unwanted issues.
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