Nobody can take forest for granted, says CM
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 28 2023:
Chief Minister N Biren said that nobody can take the forest covers in the hills of the state for granted and exploit the resources in whatever way they want.
People settling in the hills should never forget that there is always the government above them.
The CM made the remark at the inauguration of a series of projects in Andro on Saturday and further assured of bringing more develop ment there.
Power minister Thongam Biswajit, education minister Thounaojam Basantakumar, Andro MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar, additional chief secretary forest and environment MH Khan, DC (Imphal East) Khu-manthem Diana, Environment and Climate Change director Y Nabachandra, MSPCL managing director P Sarat, Andro Khullakpa Sa-golsem Chandra, and Nungkot village chief Leivon Kom also attended the programme as members of the dais.
The CM inaugurated a 33/11 KV sub-station in Andro, which was set up at a total cost of Rs 7.19 crore and will provide 24x7 power supply in Huikap, Moirangpurel, Angtha, Phunal Maring, Kar-pur Singba, Ngariyan Muslim Khul, Nongmaijing and nearby areas.
He also inaugurated 100-bedded girls' hostels and additional classrooms of both Huikap High School and Andro High School.
Furthermore, he dedicated the upgraded KGBV Andro to the public and laid foundation stones for new buildings of Andro Santhel, Moirangpurel Awang Leikai and Kongbam Leikai primary schools.
Besides, the CM inaugurated NEC funded Project Integrated Approach for Enhancing Ecosystem Services of Nung-kot at Nungkot village.
Speaking during the function held at Nungkot village, CM Biren advised officials of the directorate of environment and climate change to identify locations around hillocks and check feasibility of developing similar projects with assistance from the Centre.
He appreciated the officials for their efforts and at the same time warned the people of the imminent impact of global warming.
January is usually a cold month in Manipur but the temperature is already rising.
Unless immediate and longterm measures are taken up to resolve the issue, the state will no longer experience winter or abundance of water in a decade's time, he said.
While recounting that in the past, people used to go to hills in search of firewood to make their living but such practices never caused harm to the natural environment as they used the forest resources judiciously, the chief minister opined that the present generation is taking advantage and destroying the forest cover.
Such acts are unacceptable and there is the need to deal with such activities sternly, he said.
Further pointing out that the state is currently witnessing vast tracts of barren hill slopes, Biren expressed strong resentment that irresponsible act of the people has resulted in rapid drying up of the Singda Dam and the situation will only worsen if deforestation and destruction of forest covers continue.
Biren further spoke strongly against deforestation and urged the locals against cutting down trees and assured of providing LPG connection to households without one till date.
Pointing out that Andro area has now two major tourist attractions, the Saothei Natural park and the project being inaugurated in Nungkot village, he assured of taking up further initiatives to develop Kaina.
Andro AC is lucky to have a leader like Th Shyam kumar, he said and added that the state needs more leaders like Shyamkumar to protect environment and promote education sector.
The CM also said that all communities in the state should have the freedom to grow and live, without any pressure from other communities.
Highlighting a series of inaugurations in recent times including Polo Statue at Ibud-hou Marjing, Olympian Park, Southern Cultural Centre at Behiang, the CM said that it is the inauguration month of the present government and that the present government believes in delivering on its promises.
Expressing concern over recent incidents of wildfires, the CM said that youth living near the foothills and hill areas should form committees to carry out foot patrolling in their respective areas in consultation with the district forest officers or local police, and prevent recklessness of picnickers, which could start wildfires and destroy forest.
At Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Biren assured of looking into the demands of the students.
Encouraging the young girl students of the school, the CM cited several instances to highlight that women have always been at the forefront of socio - political and economic activities or issues.
He reminded the young students of the role played by women folk of the land in driving out the Burmese invaders from the land with the support and guidance of King Herachandra during the seven years' devastation.
In his address, minister Thongam Biswajit said that the inauguration of 33/11KV sub-station will considerably improve power supply situation in the area.
He said that earlier, power supply to Andro was fed from the 33/11 Kongba sub-station passing through thick vegetation re suiting in poor quality and irregular power supply.
The new sub-station will supply power to Andro and its nearby villages like Huikap, Moirang purel, Angtha, Phunal Mar-ing, Karpur Sungba, Ngariyan Muslim khun, Nongmaijing, he said and added that it will further help in bringing industries in the area.
Biswajit also emphasised on the importance of education to bring sustainable development and lauded the local-MLA Th Shyamkumar for his efforts towards improving education sector in the area.
Meanwhile, MLA Shyam kumar highlighted various projects being taken up in the constituency including construction of nine bridges and improvement of government schools, and thanked the CM for his assistance and understanding.
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