Dimapur, May 10 (EMN): In a significant development to ongoing the tussle between timber traders and the Peren district administration, the Peren Students’ Union Nagaland on Wednesday declared that it would not allow any ‘log-laden truck’ to ply within its territorial jurisdiction after May 31 next.
In a letter addressed to DC Peren, the union appreciated ‘the call of DPDB, Peren in taking rightful measures to combat deforestation which is a big problem in the world today, with hundreds and even thousands of vulnerable forest being cut down, which has also led to loss of many different species of plant, tree and animal, having a devastating effect on the climate’. “Any truck transporting timber (Fanta size) will be subjected to verification within the territorial jurisdiction of Peren and all its satellite villages wef 1st June, 2017. Any individual/groups failing to comply by the same will be imposed a penalty so decided by the village customary court, and the seized goods will be confiscated. Further, we will not be responsible for any untoward incident that may occur, in case of its intervention.
“While appreciating the call of Peren District Planning and Development Board, it may be further stated that deforestation has become the greatest threat to biodiversity and species existence across the world. The government of Nagaland has provided the “Nagaland Tree Felling Regulation, 2002” laying the regulations for felling of trees. It is impressed upon your competent authority to issue directions to the concerned department (sic) to mandatorily conduct physical verification and issue permits as per the norms and procedures laid out”, it stated.
The union warned that if the department concerned fails to impose relevant order, it would be compelled to engage volunteers ‘to impose the restrictions, for which we shall not be held accountable.’
“The undersigned would also request your authority to make avail the details of all registered tree plantations in the district and permits issued thereof to any individuals/groups etc. The name(s) of permit holder along with location details and number of trees permitted for felling in non forest areas and number of transit pass issued against the same is sought from 1st April, 2015 till date.
“It may be mentioned here that Peren Students’ Union Nagaland in its first executive meeting held on 25th March, 2017 have (sic) resolved to restrict movement of log laden truck within its jurisdiction. In this common endeavour of arresting deforestation which has extreme effect on global warming and climate change, it is urged upon your competent authority to impose the measures as proposed and avoid interventions of any kind by units/volunteers who will be delegated by the undersigned to execute them”, it stated.
