Dimapur, July 11 (EMN): In an effort to crack down on illegal encroachment of government-purchased land, a joint team comprising personnel from the Forest department, district administration and police undertook an anti-encroachment drive at Yimparasa, Bhandari and Longayim in Wokha district on July 10.
A DIPR report on July 11 stated that the joint team had destroyed more than 10,000 tree plantations consisting of teak, khonkon, betel nut and monkey bean (yongchak) apart from bananas covering around 50 acres of land from three government purchased land.
The report also stated that the anti-encroachment team had dismantled and burnt down around 20 farm huts, destroyed fencings, fishery ponds and illegally paved approach roads by digging trenches. One JCB was pressed into service for digging trenches on approach roads, pulled down fences and refilled the fishery ponds.
In a briefing held at the Merapani Forest Range Office, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Wokha, Zuthunglo Patton, informed that the purpose of the anti-encroachment drive was to protect government’s properties at Yimparasa, Bhandari and Longayim.
The team reiterated that the concerned authorities would continue to monitor illegal activities in and around the areas to prevent any future encroachment. The team warned that legal actions would be initiated against anyone found guilty of encroaching on government-purchased lands in future.
The joint team was led by DFO Wokha, superintendent of police Wokha, additional SP Wokha, SDO (C) Wokha, SDO (C) Bhandari, EAC Bhandari, assistant commandant 12 IR camp Merapani, SDPO Bhandari and others from Forest department, district administration and police department.