CM briefs Union minister on steps to save forests
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 19 2023: Chief Minister N Biren discussed measures to protect forest amid the large scale deforestation practice to illegally cultivate poppy in the hill areas of the state with union minister of environment, forest and climate change Bhupender Yadav on Sunday.

The CM presented a Leirum shawl and a memento of Sagol Kangjei to the union minister during their meeting at the CM's official residence, Babupara, here.

The CM apprised the union minister about the steps taken up by the state government to protect reserved and protected forest areas of the state.

He also briefed the minister on how anti-social elements are engaged in excessive deforestation for illegal poppy plantation and the crackdown launched by the government in this regard.

He also informed the minister about the government's policy to help the hill villagers in switching to alternative cash crops to discourage them from involving in such illegal activities.

Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Thokchom Satyabrata and PHE minister Leishangthem Susindro were also present in the meeting.

Mention may be made here that CM Biren had apprised union home minister Amit Shah about the cabinet decision to withdraw from the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with KNA and ZRA for their involvement in illegal poppy plantations in violation of the ground rules of SoO.

Bhupender Yadav, who is also minister for labour & employment, also held interactive sessions with the district level officers of Tamenglong district at the conference hall of mini secretariat, Tamenglong headquarters on Saturday.

The DLOs gave a brief presentation on various initiatives being taken up in the district and steps and achievements made in different sectors such as employment generation, agriculture, forest, health, PHE, PWD, PMAY-G, PMGSY, social welfare and education.

Net connectivity, road connectivity, office infrastructure, lack of staff quarters, shortage of staff were also highlighted during the interaction.

While addressing the DLOs, Bhupendra Yadav elaborated on the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for developing the Northeast region.

He said that the BJP government is working with transparency to make the lives of the people better through better digitisation, communication and connectivity networks.

Stating that Manipur has been contributing a lot in the nation building process whether it is through sports, music or in nature, he also assured of bringing up the demands and issues brought up by the DLOs to the notice of the CM N Biren.

The Union minister encouraged the officers to work diligently and in a transparent manner so that benefits of every scheme and project reach the common people.

After the meeting, the union minister also had a brief interaction with the people of Chiuluan, Duigailong and Khangchiuiluan (proper Chiuluan) villages during which he distributed horticulture inputs, CMHT cards, sponsorship beneficiary cards under ICCPS for medical treatment, education and nutritional purposes.

Responding to queries regarding the delay in declaring Zeilad, Jiri Makru and Buning wildlife sanctuaries in the district, the minister assured the gathering of looking into the matter at the earliest.

During the interaction, villagers who received CMHT cards shared their testimonials in front of the union minister.

Presentation of traditional dances and songs added a colourful and joyous environment to the interaction programme.

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