Source: Hueiyen News Service
Silchar, September 09, 2009:
In the absence of other viable alternatives, vast swathe of hill slopes in Kasom Khullen subdivision of Ukhrul district has been used for the Jhum cultivation by slash and burn method, but a means to earn livelihood.
This was come across during the recent tour conducted by the Information Centre for Hill Areas of Manipur (ICHAM) and Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (TAKL) along with a team of media persons.
The tour was conducted to oversee the development aspects in the subdivision.
The exploitation of natural forest areas has affected the climatic condition of the state.
It results in climate change which is also held responsible for the ill-timed monsoons in the state.
The matter may be read along with the Chief Minister's plan to make Imphal a green city by planting tree saplings in large scale.
Even as large numbers of trees are planted in Imphal area, the practice of felling down of trees in hill areas has been going on unabated.
Apparently, the practice of jhum cultivation is the highest in Kasom Khullen subdivision comparing with other hill districts of the state.
Villagers said that the paddy crop is planted by digging the surface using small spades.
The cultivation in the hilly slopes has attracted the attention of the teams.
They had to take a break from the travel and see the sight of large tract of hill slopes being burned down for cultivation.
However, no such scene has been seen at where there the government agencies like the forest and environment protection had made restriction.
But there is little to wonder when villagers � who do not even know the benefits sanctioned by the Tribal Development department and PDS � resorted to it as a means to secure their livelihood.
Apart from this, large wooden beams were seen being transported to other places using Shakti-man truck.
It has also been learnt that there were instances when villagers ransacked the forest department's office in the area.