Nagaland lost 800 sq km forest in a decade, officials warn, citing climate risks, policy gaps and funding concerns
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland recorded the highest forest loss in the country, with about 800 sq km lost between 2013 and 2023, officials said at the first-ever Nagaland Forest Officers Conference held on Thursday at Chümoukedima.
Delivering the keynote address, Principal Secretary for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Y Kikheto Sema said that the loss was significant for a state with a geographical area of about 16,700 sq km and cautioned that the situation could worsen if not addressed.
He added that the Indian State of Forest Report recorded a loss of 325 sq km between 2019 and 2021.
Stating that climate change is now a reality, he urged coordinated action, community participation and alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on forests.
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He noted that the department controls less than 5% of forest area, dropping to below 3% in terms of geographical coverage.
Sema outlined key areas for intervention, including forest management, afforestation, soil and water conservation, wildlife management and climate mitigation, while stressing the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination.
CAMPA funds, policy gaps
The officer described Nagaland’s exclusion from Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds as a major concern, stating that while over INR 5,883.63 crore has been disbursed to 34 states, Nagaland remains the only state yet to receive any allocation.
Attributing the delay to misinterpretation of Article 371A, he said that while landowners are compensated for land acquisition, agencies responsible for deforestation are required to pay for ecological damage, of which 10% goes to the Centre and 90% to the state.
However, exclusion has resulted in significant financial losses over the past five years, including under centrally sponsored schemes linked to CAMPA.
He added that recent government notifications and the formation of a committee are aimed at addressing the issue, and urged officials to raise awareness among the public.
Highlighting revenue concerns, Sema said that the department lacks clear data on its contributions and must improve accounting of royalties, including on timber and areca nut entering the state.
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He also pointed out that Nagaland lacks a clear policy on agarwood despite being one of the major producing states, alongside Assam and Tripura.
He noted that while India’s export quota stands at 1,51,800 units of agarwood chips and 7,050 kg of agar oil, Nagaland’s share remains minimal at 33,400 kg of chips and only 180 kg of agar oil.
Human–elephant conflict, enforcement gaps
Speaking as special guest, Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change CL John identified human–elephant conflict as a major concern, attributing it to habitat loss, and called for non-lethal deterrent methods.
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He also raised concerns over hunting, fishing and forest fires, urging stricter enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and greater public awareness through community engagement.
The minister further emphasised the need for a policy on agarwood plantation and called for transparency in revenue collection from forest resources.
Meanwhile, Sema proposed administrative reforms through a three-tier zonal posting system—Zone A (Dimapur, Kohima, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Peren), Zone B (Phek, Wokha, Mokokchung, Zunheboto), and Zone C (ENPO areas)—suggesting that service in Zone C be made mandatory for promotions.
Following the inaugural session, forest officers deliberated on departmental functioning, the Nagaland Forest Management Project, Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalayas (Nagaland) project, and issues relating to the Nagaland Pollution Control Board.
The second session included an open house discussion on forest-related issues.