Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 04:
Following a recent directive from the Supreme Court, State Government has constituted a verification committee to find out the number of timber felled in all districts of the State.
With the completion of the verification, the ban on timber trade is likely to be lifted.
Addl Chief Secretary Saichhuana told The Sangai Express today that Govt will allow felling of timbers by issuing permits and take up steps for planting saplings after the verification committee submits its report on the number of timbers felled and their condition.
Stating that Forest revenue has seen a steep fall after the apex court banned timber trade, he said verification work has already been started at Ukhrul district's Kamjong, Moreh in Chandel and Churachandpur.
He said that officials concerned have been instructed to bring out a working plan for Ukhrul and Chandel district which have the largest number of trees.
Under the plan, an expert committee will work out a report giving information on the existing condition of the timber within two years and according to it, the rate for felling and planting trees will be decided.
Trees will be auctioned after the submission of the report.
It may be recalled that a House Committee headed by O Joy as the chairman had conducted aerial surveys of the State's timber stock during the tenure of the 7th State Assembly.
After the ban was imposed army personnel had even arrested some persons for trading timber.
On the improvement of the Manipur Zoological Gardens, Saichhuana said that Government has sanctioned Rs 7 lakhs for the garden fencing and another Rs 3 lakhs for constructing a godown for keeping the food stocks of the animals.
Rs 2 lakhs each have also been approved for the construction of a separate enclosure for the zoo's leopard and other cubical enclosures.
Saichhuana who also holds the Works' charge said that the 12 ex-MLAs who are now occupying Government quarters had been allowed to stay since October by an order of the Governor on the condition that they pay rent at the market rate.
The Government has sought the rent amounts from the PWD.
However, no intimation has been received till date.