Will launch drive against timber smuggling: MLA Kh Loken
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 17 2023:
Wangoi MLA Khuraijam Loken has announced that special drives will be carried out to detain and impound illegal timber laden trucks passing through Mayai Lambi and other roads during midnight hours.
Addressing a press meet at his Babupara residence, here, on Monday, MLA Kh Loken pointed out that the state is facing unprecedented environmental degradation and drought-like situation due to large-scale deforestation and clearance of forest in hill areas for poppy cultivation by some people who are only interested in making profits without any care for the environment.
Amid such alarming situation, huge quantity of timber can be seen transported by trucks during midnight hours through various roads, he said, and claimed to have personally witnessed such suspicious activities.
The MLA continued that few days back he spotted 5-6 timber laden trucks parked in a place along Mayai Lambi around 1 am.
While explaining that inspite of being an MLA, he cannot seize the timbers, Loken suggested that investigation be done to trace source of such timber consignments transported at night.
Whether such timbers are legal or illegal and if legal, impact of such large scale hauling of timber on environment needs to be found out.
As such, he also called upon all the people, CSOs and clubs of Wangoi assembly constituency to remain alert and appealed to them to join him in detaining timber laden trucks travelling at night and taking up legal action against such entities with the support of police.
Kh Loken also mentioned that all the 60 MLAs of the state in the recently held session of Manipur Legislative Assembly had expressed their support to saving the forest.
He further conveyed that he will support the chief minister in identifying wrongful deeds in the state and also work for conservation of forest in consultation with the forest minister.
Noting that the present Mayai Lambi road is not at par with present times and has led to many accidents, Kh Loken maintained that he is aware of the problems faced by people commuting on the Mayai Lambi road and has taken up the issue of expanding the road in the state assembly.
CM N Biren and works minister Govindas Konthoujam have also assured of addressing the matter at the earliest with consultation going on with Union ministry for providing the fund.
Hence, he urged the Public Works Department to finish the proposed plan for the project as soon as possible, while adding that he will also press the centre for sanctioning the fund.