Shyamkumar to probe misappropriation of fund
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, February 06 2018: Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar has conveyed that a fund of Rs 50,20,73,010 released by Loktak Development Authority (LDA) to Forest Department during 2009-2012 under Short Term Action Plan (STAP) for implementation of Catchment Area Treatment4nd implementation of Biodiversity will be investigated.

He said that he has already discussed the marter with the Chief Minister.

Speaking to media persons at his New Secretariat office today, Shyamkumar said that LDA released the fund for different components of STAP for conservation and management of Loktak Wetland integrating Manipur river basin which included afforestation, aided regeneration and agro forestry.

He informed that the fund was released in three instalments under the Short Term Action Plan (STAP) for implementation of Catchment Area Treatment and implementation of Biodiversity.

An amount of Rs 44,79,79,010 was released in the first installment under STAP for implementation of Catchment Area Treatment from 2009-2012, Rs 4,31,25,000 under 12th Finance Commission Catchment Area Treatment in second installment from 2009-2010 and Rs 1,09,70,000 under STAP for implementation of Biodiversity in third installment from 2009-10, he elaborated.

The selected areas for afforestation, aided regeneration and agro forestry included Thoubal Division, Bishnupur Division, Northern Forest Division, Central Division, Eastern Forest Division, Tengnoupal Forest Division, Ukhrul Division and Southern Division, he continued.

The Minister said that the villagers have informed that no trees were planted since 2013 in Saichang centre under Thoubal Division which was covered under the afforestation plan.

He termed it unfortunate that no trees were planted even after releasing the fund.

He said that all the centres will be checked along with the then Forest officers in the presence of media persons.

He stated that Forest Department is committed for the welfare of the people and the State.

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