Encroachment at Langol reserve forest questioned
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 02 2015 :
MLA Y Irabot drew the attention of the Forest Minister Th Devendra during the ongoing monsoon session of State Assembly on the inaction of the forest department about the land encroachment at Langol reserve forest area.
He also pointed out that housing in the encroached land is going rampant.
Irabot was putting up the issue during the question hour.
The MLA also reminded that few houses were brought down in the area recently but he however questioned the increasing houses erected at the reserved forest area.
Irabot also questioned the source of funding for the housing meant for the displaced people of Lei Ingkhol and enquired whether environmental clearance was taken from the Ministry of Environment for the construction works.
The MLA slammed the forest department for keeping mum when forest lands were bulldozed by private individuals for constructing houses.
Answering the question, Th Devendra Forest Minister informed that the matter of land encroachment by private individuals will be looked after.
He also said that there is a proposal to construct a water supply scheme and a proposal for constructing road in the reserve forest area of Langol.
Answering the query from MLA RK Imo, Transport Minister Ratankumar said that the parking for various passenger vehicles are allotted for Transport Associations at Waheng Leikai and the issue of systematically organising the parking area will be tabled in meetings.
Upon a question by MLA Shyamkumar, Forest Minister Th Devendra said that he received a report on the illegal poppy cultivation at Nongmaiching Hills after chopping down trees and the forest department is keeping a keen observation in the matter.
Investigation is going on to find out who is planting the poppy and an FIR has been lodged.
He also said that trees were chopped down at Heikon Village near Terakhong Village and poppy plantation was done illegally in the area.
Bringing up the calling attention motion MLA Shaymkumar refuted that it is very unfortunate of the forest department to have not looked into the matter and officials of the forest department should often conduct field visit to actually address the environmental and forest issue.
He also said that appropriate action should be taken up to book the culprit involved in the illegal poppy cultivation.
Answering the query of MLA Karam Shyam, Education Minister M Okendro said that Lilong High School building was constructed under ACA scheme and it was constructed as hostel.
District Council Engineer presently MTDC is the work agent responsible for the construction of the building.
Dr Kh RatanKumar works minister answering to the question put up by MLA I Ibohanbi said that the Sanjenthong bridge will be completed by September.
Reasoning the delay the minister informed that bandhs and blockades have also contributed to the non completion of works as many materials are imported from outside the State in building the bridge.
He also informed that the expansion of road from Keishampat to Airport will be completed by September 2016 .
In another query by MLA Shyamkumar the works minister said that there is no provision to construct Imphal � Yairipok, Imphal � Andro, and Yairipok � Keithelmanbi road.
He also said that there is no plan to make traceable road in the area by assigning a private firm.
Forest Minister Th Devendra said that there is encroachment issue in the reserve forest area of Heingangching and a show cause notice has been issued, and an eviction notice has also been put up.
Th Devendra was answering a query by MLA Y Irabot.
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