Boycott stand of Ukhrul bodies shocks Shyamkumar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 12 2018: Forest and Environment Minister Th Shyamkumar has expressed disappointment and shock with the decision of some Tangkhul associations of Ukhrul and Kamjong to boycott him.

Speaking to media persons at his office at Manipur Secretariat today, Shyamkumar said that the present Government has been taking up various steps to protect and conserve the environment in various parts/districts of the State for the last one year.

He explained that there are no bans against felling of trees at Ukhrul or Kamjong districts but if one needs to fell the trees, the tress should be those which are planted under the Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) of the Forest Department and the trees should be utilised only for domestic use.

Responding to a news report, Shyamkumar said that if the felled trees are indeed from inside Manipur (India), it would be allowed, but the said trees had all been illegally brought in from Myanmar.

Such trees need to be imported after following the necessary guidelines of the Indian Forest Act as well as the Act concerned of the State.

The Minister further appealed to all those concerned to point out the locations from where the trees were cut if the trees had indeed been felled from inside the State, so that the Dept may take up necessary steps of planting the saplings.

Illegally transporting forest products and by passing the proper rules and regulations will not be allowed, the Minister' warned and added that if anyone is found involved in such acts, promptlegal actions willbe taken up.

Appealing the Tangkhul assns to revoke their stand, Shyamkumar urged the people to plant trees and fell them by following proper Acts and rules.

Replying to a query, Shyamkumar said that the Forest Deptwas able to collect Rs 23 crore as revenue by the end of last month.

He informed that a fund of Rs 250 crore is yet to be received by the State from Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning (CAMPA), under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The said fund will be utilised for developing the forests which have been affected/destroyed by numerous factors, he added.

Shyamkumar also warned that strict actions will be taken up against any officials of the Dept who give approval to illegal forest trades.

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