Dimapur, Oct. 5 (EMN): DFO Kiphire Rajesh Kumar, IFS while elaborating on the theme of Wildlife Week 2017, “Listen to the young voices,” called for support of the younger generation particularly the students in spreading the awareness on wildlife conservation.
Addressing the Wildlife Week programme at Likhimro Bridge, near Thanamir village under Pungro sub-division on Oct. 3 as guest of honour, Kumar highlighted the’ unique land pattern system’ in which any conservation initiatives from the Forest department cannot be implemented effectively without the community involvement.
He said that Pungro range is a high priority in the newly created territorial forest division at Kiphire. While describing the importance of wildlife in the natural regeneration of forests, he explained as to how wild boars act as the farmer of the forest. He further shared the difficult faced by the government in passing benefits to the people situated in such remote areas.
Wildlife Warden Kiphire Suman W M Sivachar, IFS, exhorted the gathering in protecting the voiceless wildlife. “Man can speak about his problems and issues but animals cannot do so,” he said. He also shared on the organizational structure within the Forest department – Territorial and Wildlife divisions and their predominant functions.
Sivachar also highlighted that Wildlife and Environment preservation as envisaged in the Constitution of India.
In addition to fundamental duty: Article 51(A)(g) and directive principles of state policy: Article 48A , he said the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 has listed out the wildlife of importance in Schedules I, II, III and IV. Hunting or poaching of wildlife listed in these schedules will result in not only in a hefty fine but also imprisonment of up to seven years, he informed.
Reminding on the plantation drives that were undertaken last month in Fakim, Thanamir and Vongtsuvong, he assured that the department would undertake more such drives in the area.
Sivachar also informed that Bhutan Glory Eco Club has also been sought to help in creation of new Eco clubs in the area and to undertake micro-awareness programmes in association with Kiphire Wildlife Division. Further, he requested the public to report crop depredation by wildlife to the department immediately.
Short speeches were given by the Village Council Chairmen (VCC) from Vongtsuvong, Thanamir, Fakim, Tsundang and Penkim. The Khongsa Area Public Organization (KAPO) president cum VCC Penkim requested the department to set up Eco Clubs in Khongsa area on the same line of Bhutan Glory Eco Club (BGEC), Fakim. The VCC also requested the department to take up plantation activities in their area and also to have a Forest range in Pungro area.
Master Educator Bhutan Glory Eco Club Y Tsuseki gave presentation on activities of the club. He informed that along with VCC Fakim Hanruthong, would be undertaking a trip to Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary, Tezpur, Arunachal Pradesh to understand conservation strategies by local communities there.
To mark the event, the Kiphire Wildlife Division, Department of Environment Forests & Climate Change also organising awareness programme for the public and painting competition for students of the area.
The program was attended by Thanamir, Fakim, Vongtsuvong, Tsundang, Penkim, Salomi and Khongsa village.
