CM says many hill villages registered sans Govt nod
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, October 08 2024: Chief minister N Biren on Tuesday said that several officials had in the past granted recognition to hill villages for the benefit of their community without obtaining the necessary approval of the state government.

The villages which were registered by officials like divisional forest officer (DFO) or sub-divisional officer (SDO) by exercising power beyond their position will not be considered for government facilities such as MGNREGS and water supply, the chief minister declared.

Biren, however, said the government would not pursue action against those officials as most of them had retired and on humanitarian grounds.

"A mere DFO or an SDO was giving recognition to hill villages at Langol and Nongmaijing (hill ranges) .

Thirty one villages were granted recognition by an SDC (sub-deputy collector) in Churachandpur-Khouphum area (forests) which is beyond their capacity," Biren said.

While disclosing the procedural anomalies in his address during the valedictory programme of the 70th Wildlife Week Celebration, he advised officials to discharge their duties within the ambit of the Indian Forest Acts and provisions of the Constitution.

Lokchao in Tengnoupal district is considered a wildlife area, though there is no wildlife there, rued the chief minister while remarking that in Moreh, a village chief allotted acres of land to security forces through an officer of the revenue department without consulting the state government.

"Several officials were found to have granted recognition villages in the hills in the past without prior information and consent of the government.

Villages not formally recognised by the government or registered as per the existing rules will be barred from availing government facilities such as NREGS, fire services and water supply," he said.

The CM stressed the need for politicians and government officials to be sincere and committed towards preservation of wildlife and forests.

"Everything is destroyed.

You cannot see a big tree in the reserved forests.

We the politicians and officers are responsible for this for we are not sincere.

Unless we are sincere, no function, seminar and celebration will be fruitful," he said.

"Once you become an officer or an elected representative, you no longer belong to your community only but to the country and the state.

You should work for the welfare of the two and not for the particular community you hail from, " he said.

Many one-sided recognitions were made by officers for the benefit of their own community, the chief minister said adding that future will be perilous if forests and revenue officials are not sincere.

Biren also urged villagers in hill areas to voluntarily surrender hunting weapons and rifles to protect wildlife.

He lamented that Loktak, the largest freshwater lake in the region, is under threat because of encroachment.

"If not protected timely, it will vanish," the chief minister said.

Later, Biren told reporters rise in temperature in the state is primarily caused by large-scale deforestation.

While conveying appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his insightful initiative 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Campaign" or planting tree dedicated to mother, he also referred to initiatives like "Green Imphal" campaign in 2004, "Green Manipur" mission, etc., to expedite replenishment of the lost green cover.

Further stating that change should come from within in order to bring positive changes in the society, the CM affirmed government's firm resolve to protect, preserve and conserve wildlife, forest and water bodies in the state.

He also stressed the need to establish a wildlife sanctuary or dedicated area in the state and instructed the PCCF to look into the matter.

On the other-hand, the chief minister commended people of Ukhrul district for their resolution to protect the wildlife and completely ban on hunting and poaching of animals by prohibiting use of all hunting weapons.

He also proposed conduct of campaigns to encourage surrendering of hunting weapons like catapults and airguns in hill districts along with announcing that the government will launch Mithun rearing programme to meet the demand of meat consumers to some extent which in turn will help check wildlife poaching.

While delivering his pres-idential speech, forestland environment minister Thongam Biswajit opined that organising rallies on the theme of wildlife conservation will participation of the masses will be fruitful in encouraging the public to lend support in protecting the wildlife wealth.

He then cautioned that survival of the human race depends on harmonious existence with plants and animals.

Meanwhile, as a part of the valedictory programme, prizes were distributed to winners of various competitions conducted in connection with the week-long celebration.

The programme was attended by ministers, MP, MLAs, principal chief conservator of forests, administrative secretaries, and officials of the forest department and school students.

(With inputs from PTI) .

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