L Susindro calls for end to poppy cultivation, deforestation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 14 2022:
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei has called for an end to poppy cultivation and deforestation in hill areas in the interest of future generations.
The Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration and handing over ceremony of a water supply project at Thonglang Atongba under Kangpokpi district today.
The water supply project which cost roughly Rs 60.97 lakh was reportedly sponsored by NDB.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister asserted that large scale deforestation and poppy cultivation in hill areas is leading to water scarcity as rivers originate from these regions.
"Men need water and food to survive.
But if forests continue to be cut down, these basic necessities may become extremely scarce", he said.
Stating that efforts to conserve and safeguard forests are well executed in Naga inhabited areas, the CAF & PD Minister expressed discontent at the prevalence of large scale deforestation in other regions.
He urged people to do away with poppy cultivation and deforestation for the sake of earning some money.
The PHE Minister also commended the engineer and staff of PHE Kangpokpi Division for completing the water supply project on time.
The event was also attended by RK Dolen, SE, PHE Kangpokpi Division; Ch Kahopou, chairman, Thonglang village; W Timothy, social worker and Rahul Dev Sharma, EO to Chief Engineer, PHED as the presidium members.