Minister C L John inaugurates a new Forest Beat Office at Chen Town in Mon district to enhance environmental protection.
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DIMAPUR — Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and Village Guards, C L John inaugurated the new Forest Beat Office at Chen town under the Mon Forest Division on Tuesday.
The inauguration took place in the presence of Y Kikheto Sema, Principal Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and other department officials.
According to a DIPR report, in his inaugural speech, C L John expressed gratitude to the government and the department for fulfilling a long-cherished dream of the people.
He noted that the rough terrain of the area previously made it difficult for locals to reach the nearest forest office with their grievances.
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"With the new establishment of the Forest Beat Office, it will now function as a quick responder and usher in a new era of building a sustainable environment that will prevent, protect, and control illegal activities in the area," he stated.
The minister requested the anghs, village councils, and elders of the area to inform the people in their respective jurisdictions about the conservation of forests and wildlife species, noting that this can only be achieved through community participation.
Briefing the gathering on developmental activities, particularly road infrastructure, John lamented that old black-topped roads were continuously worn out by torrential rain, though phases of black-topping works are currently ongoing. He also informed that Chenloishu and Wangti villages have been approved for a Vibrant Village programme.
Principal Secretary Kikheto highlighted that the Chen area comprises 14 villages with a large portion of forest cover. He stated that the new office will serve as a centre for environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
He pointed out that there are 17 Forest Beat Offices across Nagaland, of which the Mon Forest Division now has three, located in Aboi, Longching, and Chen. He requested that the locals protect birds, animals, and plant species.
Acknowledging the cultural bond shared beyond international borders, he added that the Chen area should set an example of protecting and conserving biodiversity, as it shares large forest areas with brothers living across the border.
Vedpal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, lauded the government and the minister for their keen interest in preserving forests, stating that the new office will act as a local forest administrative unit.
The official delegation later visited Stone Park below Chen Town, which features a mixture of Konyak traditional art and modern architecture.